Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in York County; Public Health Alert Issued

News Summary

A rabid raccoon has been confirmed in York County, marking the second case in 2025. Public health officials are urging residents to monitor their pets and stay informed about rabies exposure. The South Carolina Department of Public Health advises contacting local authorities if potential exposure occurs. With 14 confirmed cases statewide this year, it’s crucial to keep pets vaccinated and maintain a safe distance from wild animals.

Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in York County; Public Health Officials Issue Warnings

York County, listen up! A recent alert from public health officials has everyone talking. Just last week, a raccoon was submitted for rabies testing, and by March 20, it was confirmed positive for the disease. Yikes! This is the second confirmed case of rabies in York County for 2025, and it comes on the heels of other alarming reports in the region.

What’s the Buzz About Rabies?

Rabies is no joke and should be taken seriously. It can be transmitted through direct contact with the saliva or brain and nervous system tissues of an infected animal. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging anyone who thinks they or their pets may have had contact with this raccoon—or any other potentially rabid critters—to reach out without delay. You can call the DPH Columbia office at (803) 896-4680 during business hours or at (888) 847-0902 after hours and on holidays. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Keep Your Distance

In light of this recent discovery, Terri McCollister, the Rabies Program manager, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wild and stray animals. These creatures might look harmless, but approaching them can pose serious health risks. If you encounter an animal in distress, it’s best to contact professionals like local animal control or wildlife rehabilitators rather than attempting to help it yourself.

Monitor Your Pets

Pet owners, this is a crucial moment to keep a close eye on your furry friends. Make sure you watch for any unexplained wounds, as these could potentially signal exposure to rabies. And let’s not forget—keeping your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations is vital. This can be a lifesaver, protecting them and your family from this dangerous disease.

What’s Happening Statewide?

York County is not alone in this battle against rabies. So far this year, South Carolina has reported 14 confirmed rabies cases statewide. To add some context, the state has averaged around 144 cases annually since 2002. Last year, there were 78 confirmed cases in total. A particularly concerning episode occurred in November 2024, when a skunk tested positive for rabies in York County, resulting in quarantine measures for two dogs and two cats that were exposed. This skunk was discovered near Sherer and Jack Wilson roads, causing quite the stir!

Vaccination is Key

According to state law, dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies with treatments that are approved by the DPH. And while we often think of pets, let’s not forget about livestock! Cattle and horses are also prone to rabies and need protection too. This is a collective responsibility—keeping our animals safe not only protects them but also the people around them.

Stay Informed

To keep yourself and your pets safe, staying informed is essential. You can find local public health office contact information at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts for quick assistance. For general information about rabies, check out dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies. Knowledge is power, and being prepared can help our community tackle this serious health threat.

In summary, take note of the recent rabies case confirmed in York County, monitor your pets for signs of exposure, and ensure their vaccinations are up to date. Together, we can work to keep our community safe and healthy!

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Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia
• WAVY
• Google Search: Rabies
• New York Times
• Google Scholar: Rabies
• USA Today
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
• CBS News
• Google News: Rabies Outbreak