FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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BALTIMORE, MD (October 15, 2025) — On Wednesday, October 15, the Baltimore City Health Department Animal Control unit was notified that a raccoon captured from Fallstaff Elementary Middle School tested positive for rabies.
According to Baltimore City School officials, on October 14, a raccoon was seen outside during dismissal, prior to making its way inside the school through an open door. Once spotted inside, school staff safely contained the raccoon under lockers using trash cans – until Animal Control Officers arrived. Once on scene and inside, Animal Control Officers were able to safely capture the raccoon from the school. At this time, no students or staff members have been reportedly bitten or injured.
“We take any potential rabies exposure seriously, especially in a school setting,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor. “We appreciate the school staff’s quick thinking to contain the raccoon to ensure the safety of the students. While the risk to most students and staff appears to be low, anyone who may have encountered the raccoon before it was secured should contact the Baltimore City Health Department
immediately at 410-396-4436.
Out of an abundance of caution, the health department has recommended that the specific area of the school where the raccoon was found remains closed until it can be professionally cleaned and disinfected. Based on current information, there is no need to close the school, however, the department is coordinating closely with the Maryland Department of Health to monitor the incident.
Baltimore City School officials will communicate directly with families and staff about the incident.
In the meantime, Dr. Taylor urges anyone who may have had direct contact with the raccoon – particularly if there were scratched or bitten while the animal was outside the school – to contact the Baltimore City Health Department at 410-396-4436.
