The county’s Department of Health has issued an urgent alert following the detection of a rabid raccoon in Shadyside. Residents in the vicinity of the 6500 block of Shadyside Road are advised to take precautions after the raccoon tested positive for rabies on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Health officials are particularly concerned that the infected animal may have interacted with other people and pets, posing a heightened risk to the community.
Rabies Spread and Symptoms
Rabies, a viral disease that primarily affects mammals, is commonly transmitted through saliva via bites or scratches. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear in humans. Health officials note that infected animals may display unusual behavior, such as excessive drooling, refusal to eat or drink, limping, or acting abnormally friendly or aggressive. Additionally, nocturnal animals with rabies may be spotted during the day.
The Department of Health is urging anyone who may have come into contact with the raccoon to contact them at (410) 222-7254. Immediate preventive treatment may be necessary, including rabies post-exposure injections, for those who handled, fed, or were attacked by the infected animal.
Protecting Pets and Community Safety
Residents with pets who may have had contact with the rabid raccoon are asked to report this to health officials as soon as possible. Preventive treatment for both people and pets is critical to prevent the virus from taking hold. Officials emphasize the need for timely action, as rabies can quickly escalate, posing severe risks to both animals and humans.
Preventive Measures and Community Responsibility
The health alert serves as a reminder to avoid interacting with wild animals and to ensure pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Rabies prevention not only protects individual pets but also serves to safeguard the wider community from potential outbreaks. The Department of Health will continue monitoring the situation in Shadyside and surrounding areas to mitigate the spread of the disease.
For any concerns or to report possible exposure, residents are encouraged to contact the Department of Health. Preventive actions now can make a crucial difference in protecting public health and preventing further spread of rabies.
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