Wellness That Matters: Black Health News & Community Care
BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon has tested positive for rabies.
The raccoon was found near West Cedar Road and Oakland Drive in St. Helena Island, S.C. While no people are known to have been exposed, one dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
DPH’s laboratory tested the raccoon on July 10, 2025, and confirmed it to have rabies on July 11, 2025.
“Rabies is usually transmitted through a bite or scratch that allows saliva from an infected animal to be introduced into the body of a person or another animal. However, infected saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director. “To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space. If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator, or a wildlife rehabilitator. Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH.”
It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This raccoon is the first animal in Beaufort County to test positive for rabies in 2025.
If you believe either you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact please call DPH’s Beaufort office at (843) 525-7603.
Contact information for local Public Health offices is available here. For more information on rabies, click here or here.
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