Rabid cat confirmed in Allendale County, one person exposed

South Carolina public health officials confirmed a rabid cat in Allendale County, and one person was exposed. Because rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, anyone who may have been bitten, scratched, or otherwise had contact with the animal needs prompt medical assessment.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health directs animal bites or other incidents to the county office between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. On nights, weekends, or holidays, residents should call 1-888-847-0902 and select option 2. The reporting step helps investigators determine who was exposed, whether post-exposure treatment is needed, and whether any pets also need to be warned.

For Allendale County pet owners, keep dogs and cats current on rabies vaccinations and avoid contact with stray, sick, or unusually aggressive animals. Rural properties, outdoor pets, and wooded or agricultural areas can increase the chance that a pet or family member runs into a wild or stray animal before anyone realizes there is a problem. If a bite or scratch happens, waiting to see whether symptoms appear is not an option.

South Carolina health officials have handled similar cat cases elsewhere in the state. In Anderson County, one rabid cat exposed one person and six pets, and another Anderson County case exposed two people, sixteen cats, and nine dogs.