Health Department Reports Fifth Case of Lab-Confirmed Rabies for 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE OF RELEASE: August 22, 2024
SUBJECT: Health Department Reports Fifth Case of Lab-Confirmed Rabies for 2024
CONTACT PERSON: Bryce A. Manges, L.E.H.S. | TELEPHONE: 301-334-7760

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Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department reports the county’s fifth case of laboratory-confirmed rabies for 2024. On August 19, 2024, an altercation involving a raccoon and a vaccinated dog occurred in the Oakland area.

While walking the family dog, the dog broke loose and chased after a raccoon alongside the road. During the skirmish, the dog handler was able to separate the dog from the raccoon. The raccoon ultimately succumbed to its wounds. Although the dog was currently vaccinated and there was no direct exposure to the dog handler, the handler did notice blood on their hand where an existing healing abrasion was present.

Due to the potential non-bite contact exposure and out of an abundance of caution, the raccoon specimen was submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory on August 20, 2024. Positive results for the rabies virus were received on August 21, 2024. Following the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2016, it was advised that the dog receive a rabies booster shot and be closely monitored under the owner’s control for the next 45 days. The individual was advised to review the incident with their medical provider.

As always, please avoid wild animals when possible. Even if a wild animal may appear docile, they are unpredictable. 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. However, if it is necessary, wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after contact. If you have been bitten by a wild animal that cannot be captured or exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical treatment immediately.

Scheduled Health Department Rabies Clinics are as follows:

• Grantsville Elementary School, Grantsville, MD – Tuesday, September 10th, 5-6 p.m.
• Garrett County Fairgrounds Ag Heritage Hall, McHenry, MD – Wednesday, September 11th, 5-6 p.m.
• Garrett County Health Department, Oakland, MD – Thursday, September 12th, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

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. Persons with questions regarding rabies or rabies clinics should call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760.