A rabid cat in a Waldorf neighborhood has Charles County health officials on high alert, with residents near Dartmouth Road urged to steer clear of unknown animals and speak up about any possible exposure.
What the county reported
In a press release from the Charles County Department of Health, officials reported that "One cat tested POSITIVE for rabies on May 15, 2026, in the vicinity of Dartmouth Rd, Waldorf, MD." The notice asks anyone who, or whose pet, recently had contact with an unknown cat from that area to call the Charles County Department of Health at 301-609-6768 for guidance. The press release is dated May 14, 2026, while the notice itself lists the test date as May 15.
Where to get your pet vaccinated
The Charles County Health Department and Charles County Animal Control are running free drive-through rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets. The county lists a clinic on May 17 at 10425 Audie Ln in La Plata, and local reporting notes an additional clinic on June 7. Clinics run from 10 a.m. to noon, and attendees are asked to bring any previous rabies certificate to receive a three-year vaccine, as reported by The Southern Maryland Chronicle.
What to do if you're exposed
Rabies is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear, but prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective at preventing disease when it is started early. The federal guidance is clear: wash any wounds right away and, when indicated, get human rabies immune globulin plus a series of rabies vaccinations. Anyone with a possible exposure should contact a medical provider immediately for an exposure assessment and treatment options, according to the CDC.
Local context and pet-owner tips
Maryland logs lab-confirmed animal rabies cases every year. The state's 2024 surveillance report shows multiple confirmed cases across counties and notes that wildlife such as raccoons, skunks and bats are common sources of infection, according to the Maryland Department of Health. Officials say the best protection is straightforward: keep pets current on rabies vaccinations, do not let them roam, and teach children to avoid unfamiliar animals.
For questions about the vaccination clinics, the county listed 301-609-3425 and 301-609-6751. To report a potential exposure, call 301-609-6768. Vaccinations are also available through local veterinarians and retailers including Petco, Banfield Pet Hospital and Tractor Supply, according to local reporting noted by the county.
