Rabies Alert Issued for Anne Arundel County After Bat Tests Positive
Health officials have issued an alert after a bat in Anne Arundel County tested positive for rabies.
Washington, DC, August 11, 2026 —
Anne Arundel County health officials have issued a public health alert following confirmation that a bat found in the county has tested positive for rabies. The discovery has prompted officials to urge residents to take precautions to prevent potential exposure to the infectious disease.
The specific location within Anne Arundel County where the bat was found has not been publicly disclosed. Further details regarding the timeline of the discovery or when the test results were received were not immediately available. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is the agency responsible for issuing the alert and providing guidance to the public.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Bats are a common carrier of the rabies virus in many regions, including Maryland.
Health officials are reminding residents to avoid contact with bats and other wild animals, as well as any stray or unfamiliar domestic animals. If a person or a domestic pet has had direct contact with a bat, especially if the bat was found in a room with a sleeping person or a child who cannot report an interaction, they should contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Health immediately. This is crucial for assessing potential exposure and determining if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is necessary.
PEP is a series of shots that can prevent rabies if given soon after exposure. Delaying medical attention can have severe consequences, as rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear.
The department advises residents to secure their homes to prevent bats from entering living spaces. This includes checking for and sealing any potential entry points. Residents who find a bat inside their home, or who suspect that a pet or person has come into contact with a bat, are instructed to contact Animal Control or the Health Department immediately. Contact information for these agencies was not provided in the initial alert summary.
The alert serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence of rabies in the local wildlife population and the importance of taking preventative measures to protect the health and safety of the community.
Story summarized from the original created by Tyler.Thrasher@fox.com (Tyler Thrasher) on www.fox5dc.com, see more information here.
