05/05/2026
🚨 RABIES ALERT IN SOUTH CAROLINA 🚨
In the last week, THREE separate rabies cases have been confirmed right here in our state.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed:
• A rabid raccoon in Aiken County (1 person exposed)
• A rabid raccoon in Lancaster County (3 dogs exposed)
• A rabid skunk in Lexington County (1 dog exposed)
That’s multiple counties, multiple exposures, and both people AND pets affected… all within days.
💡 Here’s what you need to know:
• Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms start
• It spreads through saliva (bites, scratches, open wounds, mucous membranes)
• Wildlife like raccoons and skunks are some of the most common carriers in our region
🐾 Protect your pets (and your family):
✔ Keep your pets’ rabies vaccines up to date (this is HUGE)
✔ Avoid contact with wild or stray animals
✔ Call animal control if you see an animal acting strangely
If you think your pet may have been exposed, call your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
We’re not sharing this to scare you… but this is your reminder that rabies is still very real and very close to home.
Stay aware. Stay protected. 💚
https://dph.sc.gov/news/rabid-animals-confirmed-aiken-lancaster-and-lexington-counties-one-person-and-four-pets?fbclid=IwVERDUARm2kBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeYq2J9FzOI_F60tacnIj7iM9Og4j_nXfo2rnpAPmbp6PE0-SlHnVu_K3IGfI_aem_M9YOd3ShnF_tF5pSKXk_5Q
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:May 4, 2026COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that two raccoons and one skunk from different counties have tested positive for rabies.
