FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 11, 2018

The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported today that one person has been referred to their health care provider after being potentially exposed to rabies by a stray cat that tested positive for the disease.

The Richland County exposure occurred on Oct. 6 in the Barony/Eau Claire area of Columbia. The stray cat, a chocolate point Siamese, was submitted to DHEC's laboratory for testing on October 8 and was confirmed to have rabies on Oct. 9.

“Rabies is usually transmitted through a bite which allows saliva from an infected animal to be introduced into the body of a person or another animal. However, saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies," said David Vaughan, Director of DHEC's Onsite Wastewater, Rabies Prevention, and Enforcement Division.

“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 or wildlife rehabilitator,” said Vaughan.

It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family, and your pets from this fatal disease.

If you have reason to believe that you, your family members, or your pets came in contact with this stray cat or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DHEC's Environmental Affairs Columbia office at (803) 896-0620 during normal business hours (M-F, 8:30-5:00). If any part of your body may have come into contact with saliva or neural tissue, be sure to immediately wash the area with plenty of soap and water and seek medical attention. To report a bite or exposure on holidays and/or times outside of normal business hours, please call the DHEC after-hours service number (888) 847-0902.

This stray cat is the fourth animal in Richland County to test positive for rabies in 2018. There have been 77 confirmed cases of animal rabies statewide this year. Since 2013, South Carolina has averaged approximately 110 positive cases a year. In 2017, two of the 63 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Richland County.

Residents can contact their local Bureau of Environmental Health Services’ office via this website: www.scdhec.gov/EAOffices. For more information on rabies visit: www.scdhec.gov/rabies or www.cdc.gov/rabies.

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