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

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

Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department reports the third case of laboratory-confirmed rabies for 2024. A raccoon submitted from the Friendsville area to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory was confirmed positive for the rabies virus on August 1, 2024.

On July 30, 2024, the residents of the property found a raccoon inside their unvaccinated dog’s doghouse. An altercation immediately occurred between the raccoon and the dog. During the attack, the dog was bitten by the raccoon. An individual present during the confrontation was able to dispatch the raccoon directly after the incident. Personnel of Environmental Health Services collected the raccoon the following day, sending the specimen for rabies testing on July 31, 2024.

Upon receiving the positive rabies test results on August 1, 2024, and following the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, the owners of the dog were immediately notified, and arrangements were made to have the dog humanly euthanized due to the lack of rabies vaccination. This case reinforces that it is essential for pet owners to have their pets vaccinated against the rabies virus.

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. Also, pet owners are reminded 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. This could potentially prevent exposure to the rabies virus.

The Garrett County Health Department will hold the second series of low-cost rabies clinics in September. 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.

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John Corbin (BS, CPT, MCPT, CSNC)

Communications, Data Science, and Informatics Administrator, Health Equity/Minority Health Coordinator, Public Information Officer at Garrett County Health Department

Population Health, Innovation, and Informatics Unit
Contact: [email protected]

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