FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 4, 2023
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed {that a} stray cat discovered close to Glasscock and Reese roads in Rock Hill, S.C., has examined constructive for rabies. One person was uncovered and has been referred to their well being care supplier. Two stray cats have been identified to have been uncovered to the rabid cat and DHEC is working with native animal management to help in capturing the cats.
The cat was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing on October 2, 2023, and was confirmed to have rabies on October 3, 2023. If you imagine you, somebody you already know or your pets have are available contact with this cat or one other animal that probably has rabies, please name DHEC’s Public Health Rock Hill workplace at (803) 909-7096 throughout regular business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).
“Keeping your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is the easiest way to protect you and your family from this deadly virus,” stated Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director. “Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space.”
In South Carolina, rabies is most frequently present in wildlife reminiscent of raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats, however pets are simply as vulnerable to the virus. If you see an animal in want, keep away from touching it. Contact somebody skilled in dealing with animals, reminiscent of your native animal management officer, wildlife management officer or a wildlife rehabilitator.
An publicity is outlined as direct contact (reminiscent of via damaged pores and skin or mucous membranes within the eyes, nostril or mouth) with saliva or mind/nervous system tissue from an contaminated animal.” Stray and feral cats are a big supply for rabies publicity. If pets within the space have obtained any unexplained accidents or have been seen interacting with feral cats in recent weeks, please contact your veterinarian’s workplace.
This cat is the fifth animal in York County to check constructive for rabies in 2023. There have been 67 circumstances of rabid animals statewide this 12 months. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged roughly 148 constructive circumstances a 12 months. In 2022, 5 of the 83 confirmed rabies circumstances in South Carolina have been in York County.
Contact info for native Public Health places of work is available at For extra info on rabies go to scdhec.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.
