Kitten Tests Positive For Rabies In Baltimore County

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Officials in Baltimore County are sounding the alarm after a kitten tested positive for rabies this week.

Authorities described the male kitten as an orange, domestic medium-haired 16-week-old. Officials said in a Wednesday release that the feline was found on the 3300 block of Paper Mill Road in Jacksonville.

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Baltimore County Animal Services identified at least one case of human exposure and has alerted caretakers of registered cat colonies in the area.

The positive rabies test was returned Tuesday, days after the kitten was found on Aug. 27. No additional details on the case were released.

"Rabies is a preventable disease, but only when exposures are reported promptly and vaccination practices are followed," BCAS Bureau Director Dr. René Varela said in a statement.

"Incidents like this highlight the importance of avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals and ensuring that pets remain current on their rabies vaccinations. Maintaining vigilance in the community is essential to protecting both animal and human health."

Anyone who came in contact with the cat is urged to seek immediate medical evaluation.

The Baltimore County Department of Health is asking residents to reach out if they were bitten, scratched, or licked.

BCDH can be reached Monday through Friday at (410) 887-5963. Calls can be made to (410) 832-7182 after 4:30 p.m.

Both BCAS and the health department will continue to monitor the case.

Rabies Explained

Rabies spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, including bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks, cats and groundhogs.

The disease can also be passed if an infected animal's saliva comes into contact with a person's or another animal's eyes, nose, mouth or an open cut.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms associated with rabies include weakness, fever, headaches, itching sensation at the site of a bite, confusion, hallucinations, and agitation, among other conditions.

Severe symptoms typically appear in untreated cases within two weeks, according to the agency.

County authorities urge residents to take the following precautions:

• Assess potential disease risk before interacting with any animal, particularly in households with children, elderly individuals, persons with certain illnesses, or other pets.
• Avoid contact with wildlife and stray or feral animals, especially those exhibiting signs of illness.
• Refrain from providing food, water, or shelter to wildlife or strays. Outdoor pet food or water bowls should not be left out for extended periods, especially overnight.
• Consult a veterinarian before adopting stray or feral cats, and keep rabies vaccinations current for all pets.

The BCAS will be hosting low-cost rabies vaccination clinics in October.