COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTW) — 6 folks and 6 stray cats were not long ago uncovered to a rabid cat in Marlboro County, according to the South Carolina Division of Wellbeing and Environmental Command.
The gray prolonged-haired cat that examined optimistic was observed in the vicinity of Salem and Jackson roads in Bennettsville, DHEC claimed. It was submitted to a DHEC lab for screening on Monday, and the final results have been confirmed on Tuesday.
DHEC did not launch any supplemental details about the people today or cats that were exposed, but a spokesperson said that any person who has been uncovered to a wild, stray or domestic animal ought to seek health-related interest.
In accordance to DHEC, it is the initial occasion in Marlboro County this 12 months of a cat screening beneficial for rabies. The county had one of the state’s 83 verified rabies situations in 2022.
So significantly in 2023, there have been 11 confirmed situations in South Carolina. DHEC explained the state has averaged approximately 148 constructive instances a yr because 2002.
“The rabies virus is discovered in the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted through a bite, scratch, damaged skin, and the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose, or mouth, stated Terri McCallister, a rabies program team leader for DHEC. “Contact your area Environmental Affairs place of work for further more direction.”
All animal bites, scratches and exposures to most likely rabid animals should really be claimed to DHEC.
Anyone who has been uncovered or likely exposed to a rabid animal is requested to simply call DHEC’s environmental affairs workplace in Florence at 843-661-4825 throughout regular company several hours, which are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday by Friday, or immediately after several hours and on holidays at 888-847-0902 and decide on Solution 2.
DHEC also reminded people today that it is crucial to hold pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, “as this is a single of the least difficult and most effective methods to shield against the illness.”
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Dennis Brilliant is a digital producer at Information13. Dennis is a West Virginia indigenous and graduate of Marshall College. He has won copyediting and journalism awards in Virginia and Ohio. Adhere to Dennis on Twitter and read a lot more of his get the job done listed here.
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