SC rabies cases rise as 13 people, 4 pets exposed, public health officials report
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Updated: 4:31 PM EDT Aug 20, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ
Chloe McCoy
Digital Content Producer
SC rabies cases rise as 13 people, 4 pets exposed, public health officials report
Updated: 4:31 PM EDT Aug 20, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ
Chloe McCoy
Digital Content Producer
ANDERSON, S.C. —
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed multiple cases of rabies around the state, affecting 13 people and four pets
SCDPH said on Thursday that three animals in different counties tested positive for rabies
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In Aiken County, a horse near Wire Road and Jaws Lane tested positive and exposed thirteen people. Officials say those affected were referred to their healthcare providers
In Anderson County, a skunk tested positive after being found near Stratford Drive and Reed Road. Two dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act
In Charleston County, a raccoon found near Brevard and Harvard Roads tested positive and exposed two dogs that will also be quarantined as required by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act
The Aiken County horse was submitted to SCDPH’s laboratory for testing Aug. 18, 2026, and was confirmed to have rabies Aug. 19, 2026. The Anderson County skunk and Charleston County raccoon were submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing Aug. 17, 2026, and were confirmed to have rabies Aug. 18, 2026
Under South Carolina law, all dogs, cats, and ferrets are required to be vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies using a vaccine approved by SCDPH and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture
SCDPH says livestock are susceptible to rabies and all livestock that can receive USDA-approved rabies vaccinations should be vaccinated
“Keeping your pets and livestock current on their rabies vaccination is a responsibility that comes with owning an animal. It is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family, your pets, and your livestock from this fatal disease. That is an investment worth making to provide yourself some peace of mind,” said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program manager
SC officials say there have been 72 cases of rabid animals statewide this year
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