Health Officials Issue Warning About Raccoon That Could Have Rabies

They advise if you, your pet, or other animals had contact with a raccoon in that area during the past week, to call the Washington County Health Department

Hagerstown, Maryland (DG) – The Washington County Health Department is issuing a warning after they have received several reports of people being attacked by a raccoon near the Washington County Regional Park.

The attacks first started on Friday August 24, 2018, and they were all unprovoked. The raccoon was reported to be very aggressive.

The health department is investigating and said the raccoon could be rabid.

They advise if you, your pet, or other animals had contact with a raccoon in that area during the past week, to call the Washington County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at 240-313-3400.

Officials are advising residents to not touch or pet stray or unfamiliar animals.

Rabies is a disease transmitted through the saliva of the infected animal. The disease is nearly always fatal to humans without proper treatment.

-Dianah Gibson