Second Rabies Case for 2018

Environmental Health Services of the Garrett County Health Department reports the second case of laboratory- confirmed rabies in the county for 2018.

On February 24, 2018, an altercation occurred, in the Bittinger area, involving a raccoon and a dog with a documented lapsed rabies vaccination. The raccoon specimen was submitted to the Maryland Department of Health Rabies Laboratory on February 26, 2018. Positive results for the rabies virus were received on February 27, 2018. Following the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2016, the dog was revaccinated after the incident and will be closely monitored under the owners control for the next 45 days.

Although there was no direct exposure between the animal owner and the raccoon, the animal owner did come into contact with the dog.  However, the time frame between the owner contact and the incident with the dog and the raccoon was unknown.  Therefore, the owner has begun the rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.   

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, you need to 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. The Garrett County Health Department will hold a series of low-cost rabies clinics in May 2018. All dogs, cats, and ferrets at least three months of age are eligible for vaccination. For additional information regarding rabies or rabies clinics call Environmental Health Services at 301-334-7760 or 301-895-3111.