IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE:
November 25, 2024
Columbia, S.C. A skunk discovered close to Sherer and Jack Wilson roads in Sharon, South Carolina, has tested positive for rabies, according to the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH). As of right now, there are no known exposures. As mandated by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act, two dogs and two cats who were exposed will be placed in quarantine.
On November 21, 2024, the skunk was sent to DPH’s lab for examination, and on November 22, 2024, it was determined to have rabies. Call DPH’s Rock Hill office at (803) 909-7096 during regular business hours (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday) or (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2) if you, a loved one, or your pets think you have come into contact with this skunk or another animal that may have rabies.
The most common way that rabies is spread is by bite or scratch, which allows an infected animal’s saliva to enter the body of a human or another animal. However, Terri McCollister, director of the Rabies Program, stated that contact between open wounds or regions like the mouth, nose, or eyes with contaminated saliva or neural tissue might also potentially spread rabies. Give wild and stray animals their space at all times to lower the danger of contracting rabies. Avoid touching an animal if you notice it in need and call a wildlife control operator, wildlife rehabilitator, or your local animal control officer who is skilled in handling animals. Kindly notify DPH of any animal bites, scrapes, or encounters with potentially rabid animals.
Keeping pets’ rabies vaccinations current is crucial because it’s one of the simplest and most efficient ways to prevent the illness. The fifth skunk in York County to test positive for rabies in 2024 is this one. This year, there have been 75 rabid animal cases around the state. South Carolina has seen an average of 148 positive cases year since 2002. York County was home to six of South Carolina’s 78 reported rabies cases in 2023.
Local Public Health offices’ contact details can be found at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. Visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies for additional information.
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