NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE OF RELEASE: May 1, 2025
SUBJECT: Second 2025 Rabies Case / Additional Incident / Rabies Vaccination Clinics
CONTACT PERSON: Bryce A. Manges, L.E.H.S. | TELEPHONE: 301-334-7760
The Environmental Health Services Unit of the Garrett County Health Department has confirmed the county’s second laboratory-verified case of rabies for 2025. On April 26, 2025, an altercation involving a raccoon and a Garrett County resident occurred in the Friendsville area.
The incident ensued when a raccoon entered the resident’s garage uninvited. While attempting to remove the animal, it exhibited aggressive behavior, prompting the resident to eliminate the animal in self-defense. Although the encounter did not involve a bite, the raccoon was submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory on April 29, 2025, out of an abundance of caution. Test results received on April 30th confirmed the animal was positive for the rabies virus. The individual involved has been notified and all aspects of the exposure reviewed.
An additional incident occurred during the evening of April 29, 2025. The incident occurred when a resident, startled by what they believed to be a cat fight outside, opened their door and encountered a fox actively fighting with their pet cats. Upon opening the door, the fox redirected its aggression toward the resident, latching onto the individual’s leg and refusing to release its bite. The resident called for assistance, and their spouse intervened, eventually freeing the victim by physically removing and throwing the fox, which then fled into nearby woods.
Due to the unavailability of the animal for testing, the victim sought immediate medical care. Emergency Room personnel administered Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis and Rabies Immunoglobulin as a precautionary measure.
Residents are reminded to avoid contact with wild animals whenever possible. Even seemingly docile wildlife can behave unpredictably. If your pet is exposed to a wild animal, do not handle the pet for at least two hours. If handling is necessary, wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water afterward. Any person bitten or potentially exposed to a rabid animal should seek immediate medical attention, especially if the animal cannot be captured for testing.
To help protect the community, the Garrett County Health Department is offering rabies vaccination clinics on the following dates:
- Grantsville Elementary School, Grantsville, MD – Monday, May 12th, 5-6 p.m.
- Swanton Community Center, Swanton, MD – Tuesday, May 13th, 5-6 p.m.
- Friendsville Elementary School, Friendsville, MD – Wednesday, May 14th, 5-6 p.m.
- Garrett County Health Department, Oakland, MD – Friday, May 16th, 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.
Contact: [email protected]
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