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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE OF RELEASE: January 2, 2025

SUBJECT: Health Department Reports Seventh Case of Lab-Confirmed Rabies for 2024

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

To wrap up the year, Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department reports the county’s seventh case of laboratory-confirmed rabies for 2024. This case has led to the most laboratory-confirmed rabies cases since 2015, when the county observed 15 cases.

On December 27, 2024, a Friendsville resident found a raccoon inside their dog’s kennel. Due to the unknown exposure circumstances, the raccoon was euthanized. The dog was currently vaccinated against rabies; however, due to handling the dog within two hours of potential exposure and out of an abundance of caution, the raccoon was submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory on December 30, 2024. Positive results for the rabies virus were received on December 31, 2024.

Upon review with a medical professional, it was determined that no exposure had occurred between the owner and the dog, and therefore, no rabies post-exposure prophylaxis was administered. It was advised that the dog be closely monitored for 45 days.

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.