South Carolina health officials have confirmed multiple instances of animals testing positive for rabies, although the trend lines for this deadly virus have declined in recent years in the Palmetto State.

Rabies Cases in S.C.

According to the S.C. Department of Public Health (SCDPH), three animals from different counties tested positive over the past week for the fatal zoonotic viral disease – which claims approximately 60,000 lives worldwide each year. Two people and three pets were exposed in connection with the three positive tests.

In Aiken County, a fox found near Augusta Road in Gloverville, S.C. exposed one person and one cat, per SCDPH. That person has been referred to their health care provider while the cat has been quarantined. In Cherokee County, another fox found near Moores Farm and Green River roads in Gaffney exposed one person, who has been referred to their health care provider. Finally, in Williamsburg County, a rabid raccoon found near Santee and Cooper roads in Andrews tested positive. Two dogs were exposed and have both been quarantined in accordance with the S.C. Rabies Control Act (SCRCA).

SCDPH advised anyone living in these three counties who believes they may have come in contact with these animals to call the agency’s 24-hour rabies reporting line at 888-847-0902 (select option “2”).

State law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets be “vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated at a frequency to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies” using a vaccine approved by the agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Prevention and Safety

To further reduce the risk of getting rabies, SCDPH advises giving wild and stray animals their space, avoiding touching them and contacting someone trained in handling animals – such as a local animal control officer, wildlife control operator or a wildlife rehabilitator.

So far this year, South Carolina has seen 53 cases of rabid animals – including four (4) in Aiken County. The Palmetto State has averaged 136 positive cases a year since 2002, however the last three years have seen case numbers below that average. Last year, there were 101 cases, and in 2024 there were only 81 cases.

Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.