South Carolina Confirms 3 Rabid Animals Exposed 13 People and 4 Pets

Q: As South Carolina's rabies cases climb, what crucial post-exposure step could mean the difference between life and a fatal outcome?

The crucial step is to start rabies post-exposure prophylaxis immediately after a possible exposure — after thoroughly washing the wound and getting urgent medical care. Health officials and CDC guidance are clear: rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, but it is highly preventable if treatment starts in time. That treatment begins with immediate and thorough cleansing of any bite, scratch, or contaminated wound with soap and water, ideally with irrigation, because wound washing alone can sharply reduce the risk. For people who have not previously been vaccinated, standard post-exposure treatment includes human rabies immune globulin given around the wound and a rabies vaccine series on days 0, 3, 7, and 14. Immunocompromised patients typically need a fifth dose on day 28. People previously vaccinated usually need only two vaccine doses, on days 0 and 3. What matters most is not to wait for symptoms. Anyone exposed to saliva or brain tissue from a potentially rabid animal — especially through a bite, scratch, or contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin — should seek medical evaluation right away. In South Carolina’s recent cases, the 13 people exposed to the rabid horse were referred to healthcare providers for exactly that reason. For pets and livestock, staying current on rabies vaccination remains the main safeguard, but for humans after an exposure, rapid wound washing and prompt PEP can be the difference between survival and a fatal outcome.

3 articles · Updated · WYFF4 Greenville · Aug 20

Aiken County’s rabid horse exposed 13 people, the largest share of South Carolina’s latest rabies incidents, and health officials referred those affected to their healthcare providers.
Three animals tested positive across three counties: the horse in Aiken, a skunk in Anderson, and a raccoon in Charleston.
Four dogs were exposed in the Anderson and Charleston cases and will be quarantined under the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
72 rabid animals have been confirmed statewide this year, prompting officials to again urge rabies vaccinations for pets and eligible livestock.