Health Department Reports First Case of Lab-Confirmed Rabies for 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE OF RELEASE: February 3, 2025

SUBJECT: Health Department Reports First Case of Lab-Confirmed Rabies for 2025

CONTACT PERSON: Bryce A. Manges, L.E.H.S. | TELEPHONE: 301-334-7760

Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department reports the first case of laboratory-confirmed rabies for 2025. A raccoon and dog encounter occurred on January 26, 2025, near the Oakland area.  

The dog, whose rabies vaccination was current, was involved in an altercation with a raccoon on January 26, 2025. The raccoon was successfully euthanized and submitted for rabies testing to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory on January 30, 2025. The positive rabies results were received on January 31, 2025. Following the incident, the dog was taken to the vet to receive a rabies booster shot and will be closely monitored for 45 days.

Upon review, it was determined that no exposure had occurred between the owner and the dog; therefore, no rabies post-exposure prophylaxis was needed. 

It is important to remember that if your pet is exposed to a wild or feral animal, do not handle it within two hours of contact. If it is necessary to handle your pet, make sure to wear protective gloves and immediately wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you have been bitten by a wild or feral animal that cannot be captured or exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical treatment immediately. 

All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to being affected by the deadly rabies virus. The rabies virus is only transferred through the saliva of the infected animal. Signs and symptoms may include neurological signs and changes in the behavior of the animal. 

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 low-cost rabies clinics in May. If you have any questions regarding rabies, please call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760.