Second Case of Rabies for 2023 Confirmed in Garrett County

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department reports the county’s second case of laboratory-confirmed rabies for 2023. The encounter occurred near Dry Run Road on September 26, 2023, between a dog and a raccoon.

The dog, whose rabies vaccination had lapsed, was in a fight with a raccoon. With the help of the Maryland DNR Wildlife, the raccoon was euthanized and submitted for rabies testing to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory. The positive rabies result was received on September 27, 2023, and the dog’s owner was notified the same day. Knowing of the lapsed rabies vaccination, the owner had the dog re-vaccinated against rabies immediately after the incident. Under the owner’s control, the dog will be closely monitored 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. Persons with questions regarding rabies should call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760.