The Washington County Health Department has confirmed rabies in a fox located in the vicinity of Woodland Way, Hagerstown, MD. There are no known human exposures reported at this time; however, an unknown dog may have been exposed Saturday, November 30, in the late evening.
Please contact the Washington County Health Department if you know of any possible human or animal exposure. Exposure is defined as a bite, scratch, or contact of saliva or body fluids from an infected animal with a mucous membrane, for example, an eye.
Health Department personnel will be visiting the neighborhood in the vicinity of the incident to advise residents of the situation and urge caution when dealing with unknown animals.
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system; it is predominantly seen in raccoons, bats, and skunks, as well as in dogs and cats (domestic animals). Washington County residents are reminded that rabies has been well established in the tristate area since 1983, and that all wild or unknown animals should be avoided whenever possible, since the possibility of exposure to rabies can occur anywhere and anytime.
Pet owners should remember that the best protection for themselves, their families, and their pets are up-to-date rabies vaccinations of animals with which they come into routine contact.
Washington County Humane Society/Animal Control: 301-733-2060
Washington County Health Department – Nursing: 240-313-3210
Washington County Health Department – Environmental Health: 240-313-3400
