A bat found near the Brunswick MARC Station tested positive for rabies, heatlh officials said.
The bat was initially noticed on the sidewalk around 7:15 a.m. Friday and picked up by Frederick County around 8:45 a.m in front of the American Legion across from the MARC station in Brunswick.
The Health Department recommends anyone who may have come in contact with the bat to contact a doctor and notify the Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342. If any pets had contact with the bat, consult with your veterinarian and notify the Health Department (Environmental Health Office) at 301-600-1717.
Rabies is a viral disease that infects mammals and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bite. The disease is nearly always fatal to humans. Symptoms of rabies in animals may include fear of water, limping, failure to eat or drink, excessive salivation, unusually friendly or aggressive behavior, or other atypical behaviors such as nocturnal animals emerging during the daytime.
Barry Glotfelty, Director for the Health Department's Environmental Health Services, advises the public, "To protect your family from possible rabies exposure, do not touch or play with wild or stray animals and make sure that your pets are currently vaccinated". If a stray animal comes on your property, do not attempt to contain it. If you or your pets have contact with a stray or wild animal you should call Animal Control.
