Kitten in Eden, MD Area Tests Positive for Rabies
Wicomico County Health officials say that a kitten in the area of Cathell Road in Eden near the Somerset/Wicomico County Line has tested positive for rabies. Health officials advise all residents to be aware of their surroundings and avoid contact with all wild or stray animals. Rabies is preventable – but if left untreated in humans and animals – it is fatal.
Additional information from the Wicomico County Health Department:
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that exists in the saliva of mammals and is transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human by biting and/or scratching. The virus can also be spread by licking, when infected saliva makes contact with open cuts or wounds, and with the mouth, eyes, and nose. If left untreated in humans and animals, rabies is fatal.
Please keep the following tips in mind to protect your family and your pets:
- Keep pets confined
- Avoid all contact with wild or stray animals
- Teach children to leave unfamiliar animals alone
- Vaccinate pets-Maryland law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets, 4 months of age and older have a current rabies vaccination.
- Avoid feeding or watering pets outside
- Secure outside garbage lids
To report human or animal contact, such as bites or scratches, call:
- Somerset County Health Department at (443) 523-1700
- Wicomico County Health Department at (410) 546-4446.
For more information on rabies or rabies vaccination clinics, visit our websites at www.somersethealth.org or www.wicomichealth.org.
