Rabid animal found in Fountain Inn; three people, five cats exposed

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a kitten, fox and raccoon have tested positive for rabies in separate incidents.

  • In Greenville County, a feral kitten that tested positive for rabies was found near Veryfine Drive and Ariel Court in Fountain Inn, S.C. Three people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. Five cats were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
  • In Kershaw County, a fox that tested positive for rabies was found near Youngs Bridge and Timrod roads in Bethune, S.C. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Three dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
  • In Anderson County, a raccoon that tested positive for rabies was found near Vicki Court and Keys Street in Anderson, S.C. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Three dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

The three rabies-positive animals were submitted to the DPH’s laboratory for testing on Sept.16, and were confirmed to have rabies on Sept. 17. If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this feral kitten, fox, raccoon, or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH’s 24-hour rabies reporting line 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…

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