Charles County, Md. – The county health department announced Friday that two additional wildlife specimens have tested positive for rabies, joining a series of recent rabid animal incidents that have affected the region.

New rabies confirmations

Officials said a skunk discovered near Plenty Highlands Place in Port Tobacco tested positive for rabies on August 21. In a separate case, a bat found in the Green Woods Lane area of Waldorf also returned a positive rabies result.

Recent beaver incidents

These findings come shortly after a dead rabid beaver was located in a Montgomery County park where a young girl was attacked last week. Wildlife officials have not yet determined whether the beaver found at Seneca Creek State Park was the same animal involved in that attack.

Earlier this summer, two rabid beaver attacks were reported at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County on July 26 and August 5, prompting temporary park closures and heightened public warnings.

Health guidance for residents

Rabies is a viral disease that spreads through the saliva of an infected animal. The virus can enter a person’s body via open wounds or through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Domestic pets such as dogs and cats are also at risk if they come into contact with infected wildlife.

The Charles County Department of Health urges anyone who may have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal to seek medical attention promptly and to call the department at 301‑609‑6768 for guidance.

Preventive measures

Residents are advised to avoid handling unknown animals, keep pets vaccinated against rabies, and report any wildlife that appears sick or dead to local authorities. Prompt reporting helps officials assess risks and take appropriate measures to protect public health.

For more information on rabies prevention and what to do after possible exposure, visit the Maryland Department of Health’s website or contact the Charles County health office.

Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.