Stray cat tests positive for rabies in Frederick County

FREDERICK, Md. — The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) is alerting the public after a young stray cat tested positive for rabies earlier this month.

According to FCHD, the cat was captured near the intersection of Garfield Road, John Cline Road and Brown Road on Wednesday after it attacked two people. 

If you have had any contact with this cat between July 31 and Aug. 14, health officials say to contact your health care provider and notify the FCHD's Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342. Pets or livestock that may have come into contact with the rabid cat should be seen by a veterinarian and owners should notify the FCHD’s Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717.

According to WHO, rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease. However, once symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. People are oftentimes infected after a deep bite or scratch.

Symptoms of rabies in animals may include fear of water, excessive salivation, failure to eat or drink, limping, unusually friendly or aggressive behavior, or other unusual or atypical behavior.

“Mammals can be infected with the rabies virus so do not touch or play with unknown animals, and make sure your pets are vaccinated," said Barry Glotfelty, Director for FCHD’s Environmental Health Services.

The beginning symptoms of the rabies virus in humans are similar to flu symptoms and may last for days, according to the Mayo Clinic. WHO reports there are two different forms of the disease, Furious rabies and Paralytic rabies. 

Symptoms of furious rabies can include:

Paralytic rabies accounts for about 20% of the total number of human cases. WHO says this form of rabies "runs a less dramatic and usually longer course" than the other form.

Symptoms of paralytic rabies can include muscles gradually becoming paralyzed and a slowly developing coma. WHO says this form of rabies is often misdiagnosed and contributes to the under-reporting of the disease.

Later signs and symptoms may include: 

 If you or your pets have contact with a stray or wild animal, report it to Animal Control at 301-600-1544. For more information on rabies, visit Health.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Rabie