Third rabid animal confirmed in Somerset County

WESTOVER — For the third time in just a few weeks the Somerset County Health Department issued an advisory for a rabid animal, this time in the 27000 block of Mt. Vernon Road in Mt. Vernon.

A cat displaying possible signs of the rabies infection tested positive on Aug. 29, according to the Maryland State Laboratory.

Previously occurrences were reported Aug. 19 in the Cathell Road area of Allen, and the next day in the 32000 block of West Post Office Road east of Princess Anne.

Once infected, rabies is a virus that has a 100% fatality rate when left untreated in mammals, including humans. All animal bites or scratches should be reported to the SCHD at 443-523-1700 during business hours and 443-859-4419 after hours.

If a vaccinated pet comes in contact with a suspected rabid animal it must be given a booster rabies vaccine within five days of contact. An unvaccinated pet must be quarantined for four months. For more information, visit somersethealth.org .