Dog was exposed to a raccoon with rabies in northern Beaufort County, DHEC says
A dog in northern Beaufort County was exposed to a raccoon last weekend that tested positive for rabies, according to a S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control news release.
There were no known human exposures as of Friday.
The rabid raccoon was found near Huspa Plantation Road and Paige Point Road in Sheldon. It was tested Tuesday and the test results were confirmed Wednesday.
This raccoon is the third animal in Beaufort County to test positive for rabies in 2020. There have been 45 cases of rabid animals in South Carolina so far this year.
In 2019, Beaufort County had four of the 148 confirmed cases in the state.
“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” David Vaughan, director of DHEC’s Onsite Wastewater, Rabies Prevention, and Enforcement Division, said in the release. “If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it as the possibility of exposure to rabies can occur anywhere and anytime.”
Keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease, the release said.
If you believe that you, someone you know, or your pets have come into contact with this raccoon or another animal that potentially has rabies, call DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Beaufort office at (843) 846-1030 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday).
To report a bite or exposure on holidays or times outside normal business hours, call the DHEC after-hours service number at (888) 847-0902.
