Teenager swimming in Maryland lake bitten by rabid beaver

A young person who was swimming in a Maryland lake was bitten by a beaver that examined constructive for the rabies virus.

It occurred Sunday round 9 a.m. as {the teenager} was in a chosen swim space at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County. Animal management picked up the beaver later that day from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

On Monday, the Maryland Department of Health notified the Frederick County Health Department that the beaver examined constructive for rabies. Authorities mentioned swimming is prohibited within the William Houck Area in Hunting Creek Lake till it may be confirmed secure, which may take a number of days.

“Mammals can be infected with the rabies virus, therefore do not touch or play with unknown animals. If you or your pets have contact with a wild animal contact the local authorities,” mentioned Barry Glotfelty, director of the county’s Environmental Health Services.

If you consider you had contact with this beaver or every other wildlife, name your physician and the Frederick County Health Department’s Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342.

For pets or livestock, name your veterinarian and notify the county’s Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717.

Rabies is a viral illness that primarily infects mammals and is unfold by way of the saliva of the contaminated animal, often by a chew, the Frederick County Health Department said in a news release.

“Symptoms of rabies in animals may include fear of water, excessive salivation, failure to eat or drink, limping, unusually friendly or aggressive behavior and/or other atypical behaviors such as nocturnal animals emerging during the daytime,” the well being division mentioned.

The illness is sort of at all times deadly to people if contaminated and no immediate post-exposure therapy is had.

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