COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that two raccoons and one skunk from different counties have tested positive for rabies.
- A raccoon from Aiken County was found near Archie Ware Road and Dessert Palm Lane in Ridge Spring, S.C. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider.
- A raccoon from Lancaster County was found near Major Evans and JB Denton roads in Lancaster, S.C. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Three dogs were exposed and will be quarantined per the Rabies Control Act.
- A skunk from Lexington County was found near Evans Addy Road and Peach Place Court in Gilbert, S.C. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantine per the Rabies Control Act.
The three animals were submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing April 30, 2026, and were confirmed to have rabies May 1, 2026. If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with either raccoon, this skunk, or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH’s Columbia office at (803) 896-4680 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).
“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager. “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 wildlife rehabilitator.”
An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal. If your pet is found with wounds of unknown origin, please consider that your pet may have been exposed to rabies…