# Rabies alert after raccoon tests positive in Harford County

> A raccoon in Street, Maryland tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to warn residents and pet owners to take precautions.
- Title: Rabies alert after raccoon tests positive in Harford County
- Summary: A raccoon in Street, Maryland tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to warn residents and pet owners to take precautions. Rabies is…
- Keywords: harford county, street maryland, rabies, raccoon, public health alert, maryland health department, pet vaccination, animal exposure, news, local, alert, tests
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/community/public-health/rabies-raccoon-alert-street-harford-county-ATL3D7UFTBBYLGSFK52X3CWQB4
- Author: Sara Ruberg
- Published: 2026-09-19T15:02:30.333+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: harford county, street maryland, rabies, raccoon, public health alert, maryland health department, pet vaccination, animal exposure, news, local
## Raccoon tests positive for rabies
A raccoon found in the 1900 block of Jerrys Road in Street tested positive for rabies, prompting the Harford County Health Department to issue an alert on Friday.
## Contact the health department if exposed
Residents and pet owners who had contact with a raccoon in the area should contact the Harford County Health Department immediately.

> Witnessing a raccoon is not cause for alarm. But if you or your pets have had contact with a raccoon in this area please contact the Harford County Health Department.
## Rabies is preventable but deadly
Rabies can be easily prevented if treated quickly after exposure or a bite, but it is almost always fatal after symptoms start.
## Vaccinate pets and keep them safe
Maryland law requires all pet dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated for rabies. The health department recommends keeping pets on a leash and watching them when outside.
## Rabies cases remain rare statewide
Though several unusual rabies cases appeared this summer, including a fox in Baltimore and a beaver at state parks, rabies infections have actually decreased over the past two decades.
## Another rabies case in Harford County
Earlier this month, a bat tested positive for rabies at St. Margaret School in Bel Air. It is unclear if anyone was exposed in that incident.
## Key takeaway

Rabies is preventable with quick treatment after exposure, but nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, so immediate medical attention after any animal contact is critical.