Rabid Raccoon Found in Beaufort County, Exposing Two Pets
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported a confirmed case of a rabid raccoon in Beaufort County near Dolphin Point Drive and Indigo Loop on May 31. The raccoon had come into contact with two pets, both of which are now quarantined as prescribed by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act in an effort to prevent further spread of the virus.
No Humans Exposed to the Rabid Animal
Fortunately, there have been no known exposures of the rabies virus to humans in this incident. The raccoon, which was tested positive by the DHEC’s laboratory on May 29 was found three days prior in Beaufort.
Individuals who suspect they or their pets may have come in contact with this raccoon are encouraged to contact DHEC’s Public Health Beaufort office during business hours or use the designated after-hours and holiday hotline to get assistance.
Importance of Rabies Vaccination
In response to the incident, DHEC Rabies Program director Terri McCollister stressed the importance of keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations as the easiest way to guard against the potentially deadly virus.
“Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” McCollister advised in a media release. Notably, pet animals are equally susceptible to the virus as their wildlife counterparts.
Approach Toward Wildlife and Stray Animals
Residents are urged to avoid contact with wildlife prone to rabies like raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats and also stray animals. Expert handling is advised for any mammal suspected of carrying the virus, that is, contact with an infected animal’s saliva or nervous system tissue.
Rabies Occurrence in South Carolina
This case marks the second incident of a rabid animal in Beaufort County this year, contributing to the total of 29 cases recorded statewide up to present in 2024. The state of South Carolina has averaged around 148 positive cases annually since 2002.
In 2023, a single case of rabies was confirmed in Beaufort County amongst the 78 statewide incidents.
Contact Info and Additional Resources
The contact information for local Public Health offices, including DHEC’s Beaufort office, is available online. General information concerning rabies and measures for prevention can be found at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control website or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tags:
Raccoon, Rabies, Beaufort County, Pets, Wildlife, Terri McCollister, DHEC
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
