First Rabies Case of the Year Confirmed

The Environmental Health Unit of the Garrett County Health Department reports the first case of laboratory confirmed rabies in the county for 2017. A raccoon submitted from the McHenry area to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene laboratory was confirmed positive for rabies on April 5, 2017.

The property owner witnessed an altercation between a raccoon and a vaccinated dog on April 1, 2017. With the help of the Department of Natural Resources, the property owner was able to immediately euthanize the raccoon. Following the incident, the vaccinated dog received a rabies vaccination booster shot and will now be observed for 45 days. No human exposure occurred during or after the altercation.

It is important to remember that if your pet is exposed to a wild animal, do not handle your pet within two hours after contact. If it is necessary to handle your pet, wear protective gloves and immediately wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. The property owner of this case followed proper procedures by wearing protective gloves during this altercation, thus deeming post-exposure prophylaxis not necessary.

Pet owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their dogs, cats, and ferrets. All dogs and cats are required, by law, to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and can be vaccinated as early as three months. The Garrett County Health Department will hold the first series of low cost rabies clinics scheduled for May 8-13, 2017. All dogs, cats, and ferrets at least three months of age are eligible for vaccination. Persons with questions regarding rabies or rabies clinics should call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760.

Date of Release: April 7, 2017
Contact: Bryce A. Manges, L.E.H.S., 301-334-7760