Two in Midlands exposed to rabies after diseased cat is found, SC officials say
Two people were exposed to a rabid cat found in the Midlands, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control said Thursday.
The cat — with wounds of unknown origin — was found June 24, DHEC officials said in a news release. The animal was discovered near John G. Richards Road and Cottage Lane in the Liberty Hill area of Kershaw County, according to the release.
The people have been told to seek medical care, health officials said.
DHEC said if a pet is found with unknown wounds it could have been exposed to rabies.
On Monday, the cat was taken to DHEC’s lab, which confirmed it had rabies the next day, officials said.
This cat is the second animal in Kershaw County to test positive for rabies in 2020, DHEC said. There have been 68 cases of rabid animals reported in South Carolina this year.
In 2019, one of the 148 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina was in Kershaw County, according to the release.
“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” DHEC’s Director of Onsite Wastewater, Rabies Prevention and Enforcement Division David Vaughan said in the release. “If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it. Contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer or wildlife rehabilitator. The possibility of exposure to rabies can occur anywhere, anytime. If you believe that you or someone you know has had contact with or been potentially exposed to this or another suspect animal, please reach out to your local Environmental Affairs office. An exposure is defined as a bite, a scratch, or contact with saliva or body fluids from an infected, or possibly infected, animal.”
Getting pets vaccinated for rabies is the best way to protect against the disease, DHEC said.
If an owner thinks their pet has been exposed to rabies, DHEC officials said they should call 803-896-0620 during normal business hours, or 888-847-0902 at other times.
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This story was originally published July 16, 2020 at 10:46 AM.
