Kitten tests positive for rabies in Beaufort County, officials say
There are very few killers Lowcountry residents can experience in their homes more fatal than the rabies virus, made worse by its ability to spread through beloved pet cats and dogs.
One such housepet was identified last week on Lady’s Island when a kitten tested positive for rabies, public health officials said on Tuesday.
The rabid cat was found near the intersection of Sea Island Parkway (U.S. 21) and Eustis Landing Road, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. It was taken to a lab for testing August 28 and was confirmed to have rabies the following day.
Nine people were exposed to the animal and were referred to their health care providers, the agency said. Three other kittens were exposed and would be quarantined as required under state law.
South Carolina’s Rabies Control Act says a pet that has not been vaccinated for rabies, if exposed, should be revaccinated immediately and quarantined for at least 45 days. An unvaccinated pet should be quarantined for at least 180 days.
The kitten was the second animal in Beaufort County to test positive for rabies this year. In July, officials reported a rabid raccoon that was found on St. Helena Island.
To avoid the risk of rabies, residents and pet owners should “always give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” according to SCDPH Rabies Program Manager Terri McCollister. Potentially rabid animals should be reported to a local animal control agency, wildlife control operator or wildlife rehabilitator.
A woman was attacked by a likely rabid raccoon during a vacation to Hilton Head Island in September 2022. In an interview with The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette, she urged residents and visitors to stay vigilant around wildlife.
“People need to be mindful and be watchful when they’re out at night. It could happen to anyone,” she said. “I would hate for anyone else to have to go through this horrific incident.”
If you or your pet comes into contact with an animal that might have rabies, contact the SCDPH’s Beaufort County office at 843-953-4713.
