1 dog, 2 cats exposed to rabid skunk in Saluda County
SALUDA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed that a skunk, bat and a racoon – all from different counties – have tested positive for rabies.
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- A skunk found near Denny Hwy and Long Road in Saluda has tested positive for rabies. No people were exposed. One dog and two cats were exposed and will be quarantined as required.
- A bat found near Huntington and Cecillia drives in Charleston has tested positive for rabies. Four people were exposed and referred to their health care providers. One cat was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
- A raccoon found near Saluda Road and Fifth Street in Chester has tested positive for rabies. No people were exposed. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required by law.
All wildlife species were submitted to DPH’s laboratory on Aug. 12 and were confirmed to have rabies on Aug. 13.
“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. “However, infected saliva or neural tissue with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies.”
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Raccoons are the most common animal to test positive for rabies in South Carolina and play a significant role in the transmission of rabies in the state.
There is no established time frame for monitoring wildlife to rule out the possibility of rabies. DPH does not recommend keeping wild animals as pets due to the risks of rabies exposures.
To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space. If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control officer, or a wildlife rehabilitator. Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH.
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In 2024, the Saluda County skunk is the second animal in that county to test positive for rabies. There have been 49 cases of rabid animals statewide this year.
Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 148 positive cases a year. Of the 78 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina in 2023, two were in Charleston County, one was in Chester County and one was in Saluda County.
If you believe you, someone you know or your pets have come in with either the Charleston County bat, Chester County raccoon, Saluda County Skunk, or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH’s Lowcountry Charleston office at 843- 953-4713, Columbia office at 803-896-4680, or the Aiken office at 803-642-1687 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at 888-847-0902 (Select Option 2).
information for your local Public Health office is available online. For more information on rabies, visit the DPH website or the CDC.
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