The Carroll County Health Department is urging anyone who had known or possible contact with bats during the Mount Airy fireworks display on Friday, July 3, to contact their local health department for a rabies risk assessment. Montgomery County Government shared the warning this week for any residents who may have been in attendance.
According to the health department, several reports were received of bats flying out of a treeline and near spectators around 9:30pm as the fireworks began at the Mount Airy Fairgrounds, located at 1008 Twin Arch Road. Officials said no bats from the event were captured for rabies testing, prompting the advisory out of an abundance of caution.
“Rabies exposure occurs through bites and scratches or saliva from the animal getting into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound,” said Joe Mancuso, Rabies Program Manager at the Carroll County Health Department. “Bat bites are very small and may not be noticeable. If you had contact with a bat, get a rabies risk assessment to make sure you get treatment if needed.”
Montgomery County residents who believe they may have had contact with a bat at the event are encouraged to call the Montgomery County Rabies Program at 240-777-1755 for a risk assessment.
Health officials remind residents that rabies is most commonly found in Maryland among raccoons, skunks, foxes, cats and bats. They also recommend avoiding contact with wild or stray animals, keeping pets vaccinated, securing garbage cans, preventing bats from entering homes with window screens and chimney caps, and thoroughly washing any bite or scratch with soap and water before contacting a healthcare provider or veterinarian.
Anyone who attended the July 3 fireworks display and believes they may have been exposed is encouraged to seek guidance as soon as possible, as prompt treatment is highly effective in preventing rabies after an exposure.
