Rabies Alert Issued for Anne Arundel County Residents

A raccoon tested positive for rabies in the Annapolis area, prompting health officials to warn locals about potential exposure.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has issued a rabies alert after a raccoon tested positive for the viral disease on February 17 in the Annapolis area near Holly Drive. The department is advising residents to take precautions, such as ensuring their pets have current rabies vaccinations, securing outside garbage, and avoiding contact with wildlife. Anyone who believes they or their pet may have come into contact with the infected raccoon is urged to contact the health department.

Why it matters

Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal viral disease that can be transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. This alert is important to raise awareness among local residents about the risk of rabies exposure and the steps they should take to protect themselves and their pets.

The details

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health reported that the infected raccoon was found on February 17 in the Annapolis area near Holly Drive. The department is warning that "preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the infected animal." Rabies is typically transmitted through a bite or scratch, but can also be spread through the saliva of an infected animal. To treat the disease, infected individuals undergo thorough wound cleaning and a series of vaccinations.

  • The raccoon tested positive for rabies on February 17, 2026.

The players

Anne Arundel County Department of Health

The local health agency that issued the rabies alert and is advising residents on precautions to take.

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What’s next

Anyone who believes they or their pet may have come into contact with the infected raccoon is urged to contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at (410) 222-7254 or (443) 481-3140 after 4 p.m.

The takeaway

This rabies alert highlights the importance for residents to be vigilant about protecting themselves and their pets from potential exposure to wildlife that may carry the virus. By taking the recommended precautions, such as ensuring pets are vaccinated and avoiding contact with wild animals, locals can help prevent the spread of rabies in the community.