URGENT PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE – Garrett County Public Health Officials Announce Fourth Lab-Confirmed Animal Rabies Case of 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE OF RELEASE: June 16, 2025

SUBJECT:
URGENT PUBLIC HEALTH NOTICE – Garrett County Public Health Officials Announce Fourth Lab-Confirmed Animal Rabies Case of 2025

CONTACT PERSON: Melinda Smith-Pritt / Environmental Health Specialist | TELEPHONE: 301-334-7760

GARRETT COUNTY, MARYLAND – The Garrett County Health Department today confirmed its fourth positive case of rabies for the year 2025. This follows a series of unprovoked attacks by a single feral cat on five individuals in the McHenry area during the late hours of Wednesday, June 11th, and the early morning hours of Thursday, June 12th.

The multiple incidents, which occurred in close proximity within the McHenry community, prompted all five victims to seek immediate medical attention. Healthcare professionals, recognizing the patient group, contacted Garrett County Animal Control to report their concerns regarding a potentially rabid animal.

Garrett County Animal Control officers located the described feral cat and in the interest of public safety and animal welfare, the animal was humanely euthanized. Subsequently, the deceased cat was submitted to the state public health laboratory for testing.

The laboratory analysis definitively confirmed the presence of the rabies virus in the feline sample. Upon receiving the positive test results, Garrett County Health Department officials initiated immediate contact with all individuals who had presented at the emergency room following the attacks. These individuals are being provided with appropriate post-exposure treatment and guidance.

This case marks the first confirmed instance of rabies in a feline within Garrett County for the year 2025. The department strongly urges all residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution and avoid any interaction with feral or wild animals. It is crucial not to approach, handle, or attempt to feed such animals, regardless of their apparent demeanor.

The Health Department is specifically seeking information from anyone who may have had contact with the rabid cat described as an adult gray, short-haired cat in the vicinity of Deep Creek Drive in McHenry between Saturday, June 7th, and Wednesday, June 11th. These individuals are asked to please contact the Office of Environmental Health immediately at 301-334-7760.

*Note, the photo depicted may not be a match for the cat described. This is a stock photo. Please contact Environmental Health Services Unit for additional details regarding the cat’s exact description.