|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A trio of rabies cases in three different South Carolina counties have exposed seven people and nearly three dozen animals to rabies, according to a news release from the S.C. Department of Public Health (SCDPH).
According to the agency, one horse and two foxes have tested positive for the deadly viral disease. The horse exposure took place in Anderson County, while the fox exposures – which were separate incidents – took place in Florence and Newberry counties.
Here is the information on the incidents contained in the agency’s update …
- A horse found near Sullivan Road and Pearman Dairy Road has tested positive for rabies. Five people have been referred to their health care providers and 30 equines (i.e., horses and donkeys) will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The horse was submitted to the University of Georgia Veterinary diagnostic laboratory on July 24, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies on July 24, 2024.
- A fox found near the entrance to the Florence Rail Trail located near W Palmetto Street in Florence, S.C. has tested positive for rabies. One person was referred to their health care provider and a second person was reported as exposed but DPH has yet to learn the identity of this person. A stray cat was exposed and euthanized due to injuries. The fox was submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing on July 25, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies on July 26, 2024.
- A fox found near Church and Gilliam streets in Whitmire, S.C., also has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Two cats were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The fox was submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing on July 24, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies on July 25, 2024.
“If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with either the Anderson County horse, Florence or Newberry County fox or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call,” the agency noted.
Concerned citizens can call SCDPH’s Columbia office (803-896-4680), its Florence office (843-661-4825) or its Anderson office (864-372-3270) during normal business hours or can call 888-847-0902 after hours or on holidays.
Contact information for local public health offices is available here.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 4,000 animal rabies cases reported each year in the United States – with more than 90 percent occurring in wildlife like bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. Annually, an estimated 60,000 Americans receive medical care following a potential rabies exposure.
***
“Rabies primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start,” the CDC noted. “Immediate medical attention following suspected rabies exposure is critical.”
As our Erin Parrott reported earlier this month, raccoons are the most common animal to test positive for rabies in South Carolina. Accordingly, they play a significant role in the transmission of the viral disease throughout the state. A confirmed 78 cases of rabies – 24 of which involved rabid raccoons – were reported last year. So far this year, 44 cases have been reported.
Trend lines for positive rabies tests in the Palmetto State have been trending downward over the last two years. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 148 positive rabies cases a year, per SCDPH.
“Keeping your pets and livestock current on their rabies vaccination is a responsibility that comes with owning an animal,” said Terri McCollister, SCDPH’s rabies program director. “It is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family, your pets, and your livestock from this fatal disease. That is an investment worth making to provide yourself some peace of mind.”
BANNER VIA: SCIENTIFIC ANIMATIONS
***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Will Folks is the owner and founding editor of FITSNews. Prior to founding his own news outlet, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina, bass guitarist in an alternative rock band and bouncer at a Columbia, S.C. dive bar. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and eight children.
***
WANNA SOUND OFF?
Got something you’d like to say in response to one of our articles? Or an issue you’d like to address proactively? We have an open microphone policy! Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Got a tip for a story? CLICK HERE. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? CLICK HERE.
