Rabid Animal Discovered in Lexington County, 4th So Far in 2022

Lexington County is pretty much on pace with last year after a raccoon was discovered with rabies, the fourth animal with the disease to be found in the county this year.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced that the raccoon was submitted for laboratory testing Sept. 8 and was confirmed to have rabies Sept. 12. The animal was found in Leesville, near Brodie Road and Brentwood Road.

“No people are known to have been exposed at this time,” the release states. “Two dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.”

According to DHEC, the raccoon is the fourth animal to test positive for rabies so far this year compared to seven all of last year. Statewide, the number of rabid animals discovered is also down, with 50 being found in 2022 compared to 101 last year. The state has averaged 148 positive cases per year since 2002.

“Keeping your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is the easiest way to protect you and your family from this deadly virus,” Terri McCollister, DHEC’s rabies program team leader, is quoted in a release. “Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space. In South Carolina, rabies is most often found in wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but pets are just as susceptible to the virus. 

“If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it. Contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control officer, or a wildlife rehabilitator. An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal." 

Those who believe they have come in contact with an animal that might have rabies are encouraged to call DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Columbia office at (803) 896-0620 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, on holidays or after hours at (888) 847-0902 (select Option 2).