Florence County cat possibly exposes 2 people to rabies, DHEC says

A Florence County cat has possibly exposed two people to rabies. 

The two people “have been referred to their health care providers after being potentially exposed to rabies by a stray cat that tested positive for the disease,” DHEC says in a press release. The possible exposures happened when the victims were bitten by the stray cat near Johnsonville. 

The stray cat is described a being a “small sized, black and white domestic short hair,” according to DHEC. “On Nov. 26, the cat was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing and was confirmed to have rabies on Nov. 27.”

“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,” said David Vaughan, Director of DHEC’s Onsite Wastewater, Rabies Prevention, and Enforcement Division. “However, saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies.”

“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,” Vaughan also said. 

“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space,” DHEC said. “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.”

“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,” call DHEC’s Environmental Affairs  Florence office at 843-661-4825 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.).

This is the fourth animal to test positive for rabies in Florence County in 2018, according to DHEC. There have been 93 confirmed cases of animal rabies statewide this year. Since 2013, SC has averaged about 110 positive cases per year. 

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