Source: WYFF
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed two new rabies cases involving a skunk in Greenwood County and a raccoon in Orangeburg County. Both animals tested positive for rabies on June 4. While no human exposures have been reported, a dog in each case was exposed and will be quarantined in accordance with South Carolina’s Rabies Control Act.
Health officials define exposure as direct contact with saliva or nervous system tissue from an infected animal through broken skin or mucous membranes. Pet owners are advised to consider possible rabies exposure if their animals have wounds of unknown origin.
Residents who believe they, someone they know, or their pets may have come into contact with a potentially rabid animal are urged to contact local health authorities immediately. The Greenwood County case is the county’s second rabies-positive animal of 2026, while the Orangeburg County case is its first. Statewide, South Carolina has recorded 46 rabid animals so far this year. Since 2002, the state has averaged approximately 136 rabies cases annually.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-rabid-skunk-raccoon-pets-exposed/71528196