4 people, 5 pets test positive for rabies in multiple SC counties, officials confirm

Pets and people in multiple S.C. counties — including Saluda — were exposed to rabies, the South Carolina Department of Public Health wrote in a press release.

A raccoon in Chester, S.C., tested positive for rabies, while one dog was exposed and will be quarantined. A bat in Charleston, S.C., tested positive for rabies, which led to four people being exposed. A cat was also exposed. A skunk in Saluda, S.C., tested positive and one dog and two cats were exposed.

“Rabies is usually transmitted through a bite or scratch that allows saliva from an infected animal to be introduced into the body of a person or another animal,” said Terri McCollister, rabies program director in the press release. “However, infected saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies.”

The press release said to reduce the risk of rabies, give wild animals their space and avoid touching animals in need. Instead, call local animal control or a wildlife control officer. Public Health also said to not keep wild animals as pets, and to always report all animal bites, scratches and exposures to potentially rabid animals to the department.

In South Carolina, rabies is most commonly found in raccoons, which play a significant role in the transmission of rabies, the press release said. There is no time frame for monitoring wildlife to rule out the possibility of rabies.

The press release said if you believe anyone or pet has come in contact with either the Charleston County bat, Chester County raccoon, Saluda County skunk, or another animal that potentially has rabies, to please call the appropriate Public Health office.