1 exposed by rabid skunk in Laurens Co.

LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed one person was referred to their health care provider after being exposed to a rabid skunk in Laurens County.

According to the DPH, the skunk was found near Fairview Road and Grandwood Boulevard in Fountain Inn before it was submitted for testing on August 1. It was confirmed to have rabies on August 2.

“Keeping your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is the easiest way to protect you and your family from this deadly virus,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director. “Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space.”

This is the second animal in Laurens County to test positive for rabies this year. Forty-six cases have been reported statewide.

If you believe you or your pets have been exposed to rabies, you are advised to call DPH’s Greenwood office at (864) 942-3600 during normal hours or after hours at (888) 847-0902.

Contact information for your local Public Health office is available at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts . For more information on rabies, visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies .

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