SCDPH: 1 Person and Pets Exposed to Rabid Fox in Lexington County
Potential Rabies Exposure Affects Residents and Pets in Lexington County
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH), a fox in Lexington County has tested positive for rabies. The infected animal was discovered near Gaston Street, between Jeffcoat Court and Carolyn Lane in Gaston, sparking immediate action from public health officials.
Upon testing, the SCDPH confirmed that a person had been exposed to the rabid fox and has subsequently been referred to their healthcare provider for treatment. In addition to this incident, three domestic cats had been exposed and as per the South Carolinian Rabies Control Act, are now under mandatory quarantine.
Response Actions and Public Safety Precautions
The fox in case was submitted for testing at the SCDPH laboratory on August 13th, and the positive rabies results were confirmed by August 14th. Following these events, officials are urging residents to take precaution and report any suspicious interactions with animals.
Rabies is a deadly virus predominantly found in the saliva of infected animals. Transmission generally occurs through a bite, scratch, or when broken skin, eyes, nose, or mouth comes in contact with the saliva of an infected animal.
Immediate Steps to Take Upon Exposure
As the Rabies Program Director, Terri McCollister, advises, “It is very important for you to seek medical attention if you have been exposed to a wild, stray, or domestic animal… Immediately wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water. Contact your local Public Health office for further guidance.”
In the instance of potential exposure to rabies, residents are encouraged to call the SCDPH office in Columbia during normal working hours and after hours on the contact numbers provided. It is crucial to report any encounters with animals that may potentially carry the virus.
A Look at Rabies Cases in South Carolina
This particular fox is the second animal in Lexington County to test positive for rabies in 2024. Notably, in 2023, out of the 78 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina, eight were found in Lexington County.
So far in 2024, a total of 50 cases of rabid animals have been reported statewide. To put these numbers in perspective, since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 148 positive rabies cases each year, indicating a significant public health concern.
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