COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Health officials are warning College Park residents after a raccoon tested positive for rabies.
According to the Prince George's County Health Department, the rabid animal was found in the 9500 block of 50th Place looking very ill and weak. The animal was captured by the Animal Services Division on Tuesday, April 23.
The animal was later tested for rabies, which came back positive on Thursday, April 25.
Officials are now searching for any person or pet who may have come into contact with the raccoon. If you know any person or animal who may have been in the area between April 13 and April 23 should contact the health department immediately at 301-583-3750 or 240-508-5774 after 4:30 pm on holidays or weekends.
“Rabies is a life-threatening disease that is prevented by starting post-exposure treatment as soon as possible,” says Dr. Matthew D. Levy, Prince George’s County Health Officer. “Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or scratch. The best way to prevent exposure to rabies is to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and ensure household pets are vaccinated for rabies. Community members should report unusual animal behavior and avoid handling or feeding unknown animals in their community.”
When a person is bitten or exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal, the disease can be prevented by getting four doses of the rabies vaccine over 14 days. Each year, approximately 900 Marylanders receive the vaccine.
The beginning symptoms of the rabies virus are similar to flu symptoms and may last for days, according to the Mayo Clinic.
WHO reports there are two different forms of the disease, Furious rabies and Paralytic rabies.
Symptoms of furious rabies can include:
- Hyperactivity
- Excitable behavior
- Hydrophobia (the fear of water)
- Aerophobia (the fear of drafts or of fresh air)
Paralytic rabies accounts for about 20% of the total number of human cases. WHO says this form of rabies "runs a less dramatic and usually longer course" than the other form.
Symptoms of paralytic rabies can include muscles gradually becoming paralyzed and a slowly developing coma. WHO says this form of rabies is often misdiagnosed and contributes to the under-reporting of the disease.
Later signs and symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive salivation
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Partial paralysis
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