Rabid Raccoons Found in Maryland, Massachusetts
Health officials in Harford County, Maryland, are asking anyone who may have had contact with a rabid raccoon found near Arena Road to call the county; no human or pet exposures have been confirmed. A separate raccoon in Marion, Massachusetts, also tested positive, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid wildlife, report unusual animal behavior and keep pets vaccinated.
Health · 8 sources · Oct 16, 2026Read it
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About rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. Early symptoms can include fever and abnormal sensations at the site of exposure, which are followed by nausea, vomiting, violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, fear of water, inability to move parts of the body, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Once symptoms appear, the result is virtually always death. The time period between contracting the infection and the start of symptoms is usually one to three months but can vary from less than one week to more than one year. The time depends on the distance the virus must travel along peripheral nerves to reach the central nervous system.
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