Possible Rabies Exposure Prompts Warning In Prince George's

FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS, MD — Humans and dogs may have been exposed to rabies in Fairmount Heights, health officials warned Tuesday. The Prince George's County Health Department is now trying to identify anybody who may have been exposed.

An incident report noted that two stray pitbulls, a black and white male and a brown female, may have encountered a rabid raccoon. The meeting would have occurred in the 6100 block of Kolb Street on or around Jan. 17, the brief explained.

The raccoon was captured and tested positive for rabies at the Maryland State Lab on Jan. 20, the write-up clarified. The report advised that an unknown resident picked up the male dog, but the female is still running free in the neighborhood.

Officials asked locals to call the Health Department if they were exposed to any member of the trio, know somebody who may have contacted the animals or suspect their pets may have encountered them. The agency also requested that residents call if they live in or near Fairmount Heights and their pet gets sick or dies in the next four months.

The health line is (301) 583-3750. Residents can dial (240) 508-5774 after 4:30 p.m. or on the weekends and holidays.

"Rabies is a disease that is always fatal in humans once symptoms develop," the press release forewarned.

Still, rabies is highly treatable with immediate care. Exposed patients get four doses of the rabies vaccine over 14 days and one dose of rabies immunoglobulin at the start of the intervention. About 900 Marylanders get this treatment each year.

"Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal and is easily transmissible through a bite of an infected animal," Prince George's County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter said in the release. "The best method to eliminate the risk of rabies exposure is to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals."

Carter cautioned that these pet behaviors may be signs of rabies:

• "Marked change in behavior such as appearing unusually tame or extremely aggressive
• Staggering
• Convulsions
• Frothing at the mouth
• Gradual paralysis
• Change in voice"

"We encourage community members to report any unusual or erratic animal behavior they notice and to avoid handling and feeding any unknown animals in their community," Carter added, encouraging residents to vaccinate their pets, especially if they live near Fairmount Heights.

If an unvaccinated cat or dog:

• Has a wound from an unknown source or
• Is exposed to a known or suspected rabid animal

Then, the Health Department requires them to be euthanized or put into strict isolation for six months. Veterinarians are obligated to report these instances as they hear about them.

The Health Department offered these tips for preventing rabies:

• "If bitten or scratched by any wild or domestic animal, wash the wound with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes and contact a healthcare provider immediately to determine if further medical treatment is required. If necessary, post-exposure rabies shots may be administered.

• Call the Police Department immediately to report the possible exposure.

• Keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date at all times. State and County laws require that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated at four months of age and thereafter kept current.

• Avoid contact with any wild or stray animals. Warn your children not to play with or approach any unfamiliar animals.

• Confine pets to your home or yard. Allowing your pets to roam freely is unlawful and may result in a fine.

• Notify the Animal Management Division at (301) 780-7200 of ANY sick/stray animals in your neighborhood."

Officials also suggested closing trash cans tightly and keeping pet food inside.

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