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by Abigail Quinn
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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A rabid racoon was found in Charleston March 6, after exposing one dog in the area of Woodland Shores Road and Saltgrass Pointe Drive, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
The release from SCDPH stated that the dog was brought in for testing March 6 and was quarantined until the test came back positive for rabies March 7.
“It is very important for you to seek medical attention if you have been exposed to a wild, stray, or domestic animal," said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager in a prepared statement. "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."
READ MORE | Rabid racoon found in Charleston marks first 2025 rabies case in county
In order to prevent further cases of rabies in beloved pets, pet parents should keep their animals up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease.
Anyone who believes that their pets or themselves may have come in contact with this raccoon or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH's Charleston office at (843) 953-4713 during normal business hours or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).
According to the DPH, this raccoon is the second animal in Charleston County to test positive for rabies in 2025. In 2024, five of the 81 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Charleston County.
