Preventing Rabies Exposure: What You Can Do

Recent Rabies Cases in Florence County

The stunning beauty of Florence County has been recently overshadowed by a surge in reported rabies cases. Two individuals found themselves in direct contact with a rabid fox on the popular Florence Rail Trail. Residing by the Rail Trail entrance on West Palmetto Street, this fox was tested positive for rabies on July 26. Alongside these two individuals, a stray cat was also exposed to the virus and as a result, had to be euthanized.

More concerning is the fact that this case was the fifth of its kind in 2024. Overall, a total of 44 cases of rabid animals have been reported across the state this year. Florence County has already surpassed the number of rabies cases reported last year, with 4 months still left in 2021. Despite this surge, no confirmed human rabies case has been reported in Florence County this year.

Understanding Rabies Transmission

Rabies exposure usually occurs through a bite or a scratch from an infected animal. In some cases, even coming into contact with an infected animal’s saliva can also result in transmission, especially if it contacts any open wounds or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.

How to Avoid Rabies Exposure

One of the most fundamental preventive measures against rabies is to maintain distance from wild or stray animals. Additionally, it is inadvisable to touch an animal that appears to be in distress. Experts recommend contacting professionals trained in handling animals, such as animal control officers or wildlife rehabilitators, in such instances.

All animal bites, scratches, or even potential exposures to rabid animals should be promptly reported to the local public health office. As per the 2024 data, two cats and three foxes have been identified as rabid animals in Florence County.

Rabies in Household Pets

Rabies is not just confined to wildlife, household pets and livestock are at equally high risk. While most rabies cases are reported in wildlife like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, it’s imperative for pet owners to take preventive measures too. South Carolina law mandates rabies vaccination for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. The vaccination needs to be periodically updated to provide continuous protection. Livestock such as cattle and horses, which are the most commonly reported rabies-infected species, should also be vaccinated against rabies.

Being a pet or livestock owner comes with its set of responsibilities, one of which is ensuring current rabies vaccinations for pets and livestock alike. Rabies is a fatal disease but is preventable with timely vaccinations. In 2023, nearly 800,000 rabies vaccinations were administered across South Carolina.

Rabies Cases in and Around Pee Dee

The Pee Dee region has reported six rabies cases in 2024, involving animals such as raccoons, a fox, and a bat found across several counties. It brings to surface the critical necessity for consistent vaccination of pets, and prompt reporting of potential exposure cases.

Final Thoughts

The recent spike in rabies cases serves as a reminder about the necessity of preventative measures. If you encounter a wild or stray animal that seems aggressive or disoriented, seek professional help. Remember, prevention is always better than treatment, particularly for a fatal disease like rabies, which is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear.