Public health officials in Lexington County, South Carolina, confirmed that a raccoon found near Stonewood Drive and Wilton Road tested positive for rabies. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) reported the case on July 3 and identified seven people who were potentially exposed.
The raccoon was located in the West Columbia region, and the individuals who may have come into contact with the rabid animal have been advised to seek medical care. Terri McCollister, the Rabies Program Director at SCDPH, issued a statement explaining that rabies is usually transmitted through a bite or a scratch from an infected animal. However, she also noted that contact with contaminated saliva or neural tissue could lead to transmission of the virus.
SCDPH is urging residents to give wild animals their space. Anyone who notices an animal that may need help should contact a trained professional, such as an animal or wildlife control officer. Those who believe they may have been exposed to rabies should contact the Department of Public Health’s Columbia office at 803-896-0620 during office hours or call the after-hours number at 888-847-0902.
In other local news, Shawn Thompson, a 39-year-old West Columbia resident, was arrested on charges of drug trafficking and distribution. The Lexington County Narcotics Enforcement Team apprehended Thompson on June 26. Inside his home, officials discovered substances identified as fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine, alongside materials used in the manufacturing of cocaine.
As Lexington County navigates through these public safety issues, Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church prepares to welcome a new spiritual leader. Pastor Joel Branther will assume the role of Senior Pastor and Chief of Staff, beginning August 4. Pastor Branther, an ordained pastor for nine years, served at the Church of the Valley in Apple Valley, California, prior to his appointment.
Simultaneously, the city looks forward to the leadership of the Lexington Police Department in offering free safety classes for the third consecutive year. These sessions cover essential lifesaving skills such as the application of tourniquets and wound packing, along with strategies for survival in the unfortunate event of an active shooter situation.
Other highlights include the exciting appointment of Avery Smith, a senior at Rising Spring Hill High School. Smith is set to be the first-ever national SkillsUSA officer from South Carolina, marking a significant achievement for both the student and the educational establishment.
Residents of Lexington County are thus facing a unique mix of public health concerns, safety training initiatives, and noteworthy individual achievements. As the community tackles these issues and celebrates its successes, the vigilance and cooperation of members are key to maintaining a safe and thriving environment.
