The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is seeking anyone who might have come into contact with a raccoon near Seamore Street and Marco Drive in the Cedarwood Cove community in Pasadena. The raccoon, found on Nov. 14, tested positive for rabies.

Rabies spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon, skunk or bat. It can also spread if an infected animal’s saliva contacts the eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound on a person or another animal.

Preventive treatment might be necessary for anyone who handled or was attacked by wildlife.

Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment should begin as soon as possible. The Department of Health advises residents not to feed wild or stray animals or leave food dishes outside. Pet owners should ensure their animals’ rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Residents who had contact with this infected raccoon, or whose pets have unexplained wounds, should contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 410-222-7254 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or at 443-481-3140 after business hours.

The Harford County Health Department also issued a rabies alert Friday for a stray cat found on Paddrick Road in the Darlington area.

Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com, 443-690-7205 and x.com/brdgtbyrn.