BAT TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES IN WICOMICO COUNTY

Salisbury, MD - On July 20, 2023, a bat tested positive for rabies near the 500 block of West Isabella Street in Salisbury, MD. The Wicomico County Health Department is advising all residents to be aware of their surroundings and avoid contact with all wild or stray animals.Rabies is a preventable viral disease that exists in the saliva of mammals and is transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human by biting and/or scratching. The virus can also be spread by licking, when infected saliva makes contact with open cuts or wounds, and with the mouth, eyes, and nose. If left untreated in humans and animals, rabies is fatal.Please keep the following tips in mind to protect your family and your pets:Keep pets confinedAvoid all contact with wild or stray animalsTeach children to leave unfamiliar animals alonVaccinate pets-Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets, four months of age and older have a current rabies vaccination.Avoid feeding or watering pets outsideSecure outside garbage lidsTo report human or animal contact, such as bites or scratches, call the Wicomico County Health Department at (410) 546-4446. For more information on rabies or rabies vaccination clinics, visit our website at www.wicomicohealth.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram (WicomicoHealth), or Twitter (@WicomicoHealth).© Eastern Shore Undercover LLC TM/SM. All Rights Reserved.