Rabies found in 3 counties on the Eastern Shore

SALISBURY, Md. — Cases of rabies are spreading on the Eastern Shore, with three counties now reporting infections.

Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties have each confirmed positive rabies tests in a bat and two raccoons. Tim Burke, environmental health specialist with Wicomico County, said animal activity increases this time of year, leading to more cases.

Burke said the most recent case in Wicomico County involved a bat found in a family’s backyard.

“A gentleman picked it up, trying to remove it from the yard with gloves on,” Burke said. “He wasn’t sure if there was any contact or not, so we tested the bat. It came back positive, and we recommended that he start the post-exposure series.”

The Salisbury Fire Department echoed the warning. Deputy Chief of Administrative Services Chris Truitt said residents should watch for unusual animal behavior.

“If you see an animal that is normally out at night during the day, be cautious,” Truitt said. “And if you see a strange animal, call animal control.”

Truitt added that prevention is key.

“The concern is rabies is not something you can prepare for or vaccinate against in advance,” he said. “You can only be treated afterward. So it’s really about prevention — keeping pets inside at night, keeping an eye on them and reminding your kids not to play with strange animals.”

Burke said rabies is most often found in wild mammals.

“Raccoons are the biggest carriers around here,” he said. “We also see foxes and skunks. It can also spread to cat colonies if the cats are unvaccinated.”

Truitt said anyone bitten by a wild animal should seek medical care immediately.

“If you were exposed, the biggest thing is to wash with soap and water and call for help,” Truitt said. “Either get to your doctor or let emergency services know so testing can be done.”