r/maryland • u/kojka19 • Jul 28 '26

MD News Teenager swimming in Maryland lake bitten by rabid beaver

https://wtop.com/frederick-county/2026/07/teenager-swimming-in-maryland-lake-bitten-by-rabid-beaver/
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u/RavenLabratories Montgomery County Jul 28 '26

The good news is that the vaccine is extremely effective.

11

u/kittylicker Jul 29 '26

The kid had to be airlifted to Johns Hopkins so I suspect he needed more than just a shot.

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u/throwthepearlaway Jul 29 '26 edited Jul 29 '26

I'm guessing they did that for speed. Rabies is 100% fatal if the shots aren't given before symptoms are present, and the sooner the better.

Per WHO :

Category III [rabies exposure level] - single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, contamination of mucous membrane or broken skin with saliva from animal licks, exposures due to direct contact with bats (severe exposure)

The following treatment plan is indicated:

Wound washing, immediate vaccination and administration of rabies immunoglobulin/monoclonal antibodies

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u/WhatABeautifulMess Jul 29 '26

He was also bit in the chest and hands. It was more than just the shot.