1 pet exposed to rabid raccoon in Aiken County

BEECH ISLAND, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has confirmed that a pet dog has been exposed to a rabid raccoon found in Beech Island, according to officials.

Officials say the raccoon was found near Lanier Road and Beech Island Avenue in Beech Island.

No people are known to have been exposed at this time.

One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act, officials say.

The raccoon was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing on April 8, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies on April 9, 2024, according to officials.

“Rabies is usually transmitted through a bite or scratch that allows saliva from an infected animal to be introduced into the body of a person or another animal. However, infected saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies,” said Terri McCollister, DHEC’s Rabies Program director.

It’s important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This raccoon is the third animal in Aiken County to test positive for rabies in 2024.

“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space. If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator, or a wildlife rehabilitator. Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DHEC,” McCollister says.

There have been 22 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 148 positive cases a year.

In 2023, one of the 78 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina was in Aiken County.

If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this raccoon or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DHEC’s Public Health Aiken office at (803) 642-1637 during normal business hours.

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