For Immediate Release:

September 11, 2026

For More Information:

Dellia Williams, Communications Manager
Prince George's County Health Department
240-417-8443
dhwilliams@co.pg.md.us

 

Prince George's County Health Department Advises Residents of Possible Rabies Exposure in Riverdale Area

 The Health Department is taking precautionary measures following an inconclusive rabies test involving a cat.

 

CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD - The Prince George's County Health Department is advising residents about a possible rabies exposure involving a brown and white domestic short hair male cat and a raccoon in the area of the 6200 block of 67th Avenue in Riverdale.

“We are taking a precautionary approach to help protect the health and safety of residents and their pets,” said Dr. Toyin Opesanmi, Health Officer, Prince George's County Health Department. “Anyone who may have had contact with the raccoon or cat during the identified timeframe should contact the Health Department so we can provide guidance based on their individual circumstances.”

The cat was involved in a fight with a raccoon on August 27, 2026, and was found dead on September 2, 2026, near the 6200 block of 67th Avenue. The cat had also been reported to exhibit unusual behavior, including growling and aggressive head-butting.

The cat was tested for rabies; however, the test could not provide a conclusive result due to the animal's condition at the time of testing. The Maryland Department of Health confirmed the test result on September 8, 2026.

As a precaution, the Health Department is asking anyone who may have had contact with the raccoon or cat to contact the Health Department. If you or your pet may have had contact with a raccoon in this area from August 17 to today, please contact the Health Department as soon as possible.

Residents can call 301-583-3751. After 4:30 p.m., on weekends, or on holidays, call 240-508-5774.

About Rabies

Rabies is a serious disease that can spread from infected animals to people and pets, usually through a bite or scratch. Rabies can be prevented after an exposure when treatment is started promptly.

Anyone who may have been bitten or scratched by an animal that could have rabies should wash the affected area immediately with soap and water and contact a healthcare provider and the Health Department as soon as possible.

Dogs, cats, and ferrets that may have been exposed should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Pet owners should also contact the Health Department for guidance.

Protect Yourself and Your Pets

Residents can help prevent rabies exposure by:

• Do not approach, handle, or feed any stray dogs and/or cats.
• Teach children to stay away from wild animals and animals they do not know. 
• Vaccinate dogs, cats, and ferrets against rabies and keep the vaccinations up to date. 
• Do not leave pets outside unattended or allow them to roam free. 
• Cover garbage cans tightly, do not leave pet food outside. 
• Wear gloves when handling an animal that has been in a fight with another animal. Call your veterinarian or local health department to report the animal exposure. 
• Take steps to prevent bats from entering your home. Bats found in the home should be safely collected, if possible, and tested for rabies. 

To learn more about rabies in Maryland, including rabies surveillance statistics and efforts to prevent and control the disease, please visit the MDH website here: 

https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/Pages/rabies.aspx.

 

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