Health Department Reports Third Rabies Case In 2019

Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department reports the third case of laboratory-confirmed rabies in Garrett County for 2019. On September 30, 2019 a raccoon was submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory after it was determined that the owner could have potentially been exposed to the virus after handling his dog.

On October 1^st, 2019, the positive result was confirmed by the lab. Following the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, the dog was immediately evaluated by a licensed veterinarian and given a rabies booster shot. The dog will be closely monitored under the owner’s control for the next 45 days.

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. 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.

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 should call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760.

CONTACT PERSON: Craig P. Umbel, L.E.H.S.
TELEPHONE: 301-334-7760