Rabid kitten exposed 8 people, 2 pets to deadly virus in SC. More cats possibly affected

Eight people and two animals were exposed to a rabid kitten in South Carolina, the state Department of Public Health confirmed in a news release.

The kitten was found near Ashley Creek and Vistaview drives in Elgin with wounds of an unknown origin, according to a news release. It was taken to the Department of Public Health’s laboratory on Wednesday and tested positive for rabies.

The eight people exposed were referred to their health care providers. Two dogs that were exposed to the virus will be quarantined as required under the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. A nearby feral cat colony was also potentially exposed. An exposure is defined as direct contact with infected fluids through broken skin of mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose or mouth, officials said.

The infected kitten is the second case of rabies in South Carolina in 2025, and the first in Kershaw County, officials said. Since 2002, the Palmetto State has averaged 144 rabies cases per year. Last year, there were 81 confirmed cases.

“Stray and feral cats serve as a significant source for rabies exposure to people and pets,” Terri McCollister, the state’s Rabies Program director, said in a news release. “It is not a good idea to feed pets outside, especially if you leave food unsupervised. This practice can have negative consequences for people and pets.”

McCollister said it can lead to disease and parasite transmission and other safety concerns.

The Department of Public Health urges pet owners to keep their animals up to date on rabies vaccinations to protect against the disease.

State law requires owners to keep dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated using a treatment approved by DPH and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Livestock animals susceptible to rabies should also be vaccinated. Rabies infections in cattle and horses are more frequent than other livestock.

For more information on rabies, go to dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.

Alexa Jurado

The State

Alexa Jurado is a news reporter for The State covering Lexington County and Richland County schools. She previously wrote about the University of South Carolina and contributes to this coverage. A Chicago suburbs native, Alexa graduated from Marquette University and previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Milwaukee Press Club and the South Carolina Press Association.