Rabid bat confirmed in Marion County; 1 dog exposed

MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — A rabid bat was confirmed near Chance Court and Ratley Drive, according to The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH).

One dog was exposed and being quarantined. However, no people were known to have been exposed.

The bat was submitted for testing at DPH's laboratory and confirmed to have rabies on Friday, April 4.

DPH officials said to never handle a bat or any stray animal with bare hands whether dead or alive.

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“Rabid bats have been known to transmit the rabies virus,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager. “People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten since bat teeth are tiny and bites are easy to overlook.”

McCollister said you should assume a person or pet has been bitten when:

• Wake up to find a bat in their room or tent
• A bat is found where children, pets or those with impaired mental capacity have been left
• Someone has come in direct contact with a bat

Officials said you can not tell if a bat has rabies just by looking at it; they have to be tested.

If you or somehow you know has come in contact with this bat or another animal that has rabies, DPH officials said to call their Conway office at (843) 915-8801 or after hours at (888) 847-0902.

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Additionally, if you have been bitten, you should immediately wash any part of your body that came in contact with potentially infected saliva or tissue and get medical attention.

Officials also gave a reminder to keep your pet up-to-date with their rabies vaccine.

This bat serves as the first animal in Marion County to test positive for rabies.

There has been 17 statewide cases of rabid animals this year.