Westminster, MD (JK) – The Carroll County Health Department is asking anyone who may have had contact with a bat during the July 3 fireworks at the Mount Airy Fairgrounds to contact their local health department for a rabies risk assessment.
Officials say they have received several reports of people encountering bats after the animals flew from a nearby tree line around 9:30 p.m. as the fireworks display began. Because none of the bats involved were captured, they could not be tested for rabies. As a precaution, health officials are urging anyone who had known or possible contact with a bat to be evaluated.
Rabies can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or saliva entering the eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound. Health officials note that bat bites can be extremely small and may not be immediately noticeable.
Residents are also reminded to avoid approaching or handling wild animals, keep pets vaccinated against rabies, secure garbage and pet food that could attract wildlife, and take steps to prevent bats from entering homes by maintaining window screens and chimney caps.
Anyone who believes they or a pet may have been exposed to a wild animal should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and contact a physician or veterinarian, as well as their local health department.
The advisory applies to residents from Carroll County and neighboring jurisdictions, including Frederick, Howard, and Montgomery counties, who attended the fireworks celebration.
As of Thursday, no additional exposure information or confirmed rabies cases connected to the event have been announced
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