Rabid Skunk Confirmed in Laurens County; Two Pets Exposed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Feb. 14, 2025

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Garrett Road and Highway 92 in Enoree, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Two dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

The skunk was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing Feb. 11, 2025, and was confirmed to have rabies Feb. 12, 2025. If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this skunk or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH's Greenwood office at (864) 942-3600 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).

Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH. “It is very important for you to seek medical attention if you have been exposed to a wild, stray, or domestic animal. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted through a bite, scratch, broken skin, and the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose, or mouth. Immediately wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director.

Contact your local Public Health office for further guidance.

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 skunk is the first animal in Laurens County to test positive for rabies in 2025. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 144 positive cases a year. In 2024, four of the 81 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Laurens County.

Contact information for local Public Health offices 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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