Q. What does it mean if someone has a positive skin test for tuberculosis?
A. A positive skin test usually means that the person has been infected with the tuberculosis germ. It does not mean the person has the TB disease. Other tests are needed to see if the person has TB disease. This is usually done by a doctor, clinic or the local health department. For more information, call 410-887-2711 or e-mail diseasecontrol@baltimorecountymd.gov.
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Q. What do I do if I am bitten by a dog or cat?
A. The wound site should be thoroughly cleaned and flushed with soap, water and antiseptic. Tetanus prophylaxsis may be needed. If the owner of the animal is known, the police should be called. If the animal is a stray and can be safely confined, contact Animal Control at 410-887-5961 or e-mail animalcontrol@baltimorecountymd.gov to arrange pickup of the animal. If the dog or cat escapes, call the Police to report the incident. Call the Baltimore County Department of Health at 410-887-2729 or e-mail diseasecontrol@baltimorecountymd.gov on the next business day so that further recommendations can be made.
If someone is bitten by any animal that is obviously sick or behaving abnormally, seek immediate medical evaluation. If the animal is available, it must be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian or turned over to Animal Control. The Police and Baltimore County Department of Health should also be immediately notified. The 24 hour emergency on-call number for the Department of Health 410-832-7182.
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Q. While visiting at a nursing home or assisted living facility, I noticed an insect crawling along the floor in the room. Who should I contact and what will be done?
A. The Baltimore County Department of Health, Medical Environmental Health Program should be contacted at 410-887-6005 or e-mail diseasecontrol@baltimorecountymd.gov to report this problem or any other environmental complaint. A registered sanitarian will be assigned to investigate and evaluate these problems at the facility. If the complaint is substantiated, the facility will be required to take the necessary actions to correct the situation.
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Q. What do I do if I lost a pet in Baltimore County?
A. Owners of lost pets can come to the Baltimore County Animal Shelter to look for their lost pets. Any dog or cat received by Animal Control will be checked for identification or the required license tag and efforts will be made to contact the pet owner. A lost pet card can also be filled out and placed on the shelter bulletin board. Photos of lost pets are encouraged.
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Q. What do I do if there is a problem with barking dogs in my community?
A. Call the Baltimore County Animal Control Division at 410-887-5961 or e-mail animalcontrol@baltimorecountymd.gov, Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reports are taken by phone, but not anonymously.
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Revised September 17, 2007
Courthouse 