South Carolina health officials confirmed three separate rabid animals across three counties this week, prompting exposure warnings for several residents and household pets. The confirmations came in quick succession after lab testing on samples submitted earlier in the month.
In Anderson County, a skunk found near Daniel Drive and Williford Road tested positive for rabies after being submitted for testing. State health officials say the case marks the county’s ninth confirmed rabid animal so far in 2026, a tally that reflects a persistent rabies presence in the Upstate. One person was potentially exposed in that incident and has been referred to a healthcare provider for evaluation.
A stray cat found in the Conway area of Horry County produced the second confirmed case. That incident exposed two people, who were also referred for medical follow-up, along with two additional cats and a dog that will now be quarantined as a precaution. Health officials noted that other stray cats in the surrounding neighborhood may have had contact with the infected animal and are being monitored.
The third case involved a bat discovered near Lometa Drive and Waterside Trail in York County. Bats are among the more common rabies vectors identified in the state each year, and health officials routinely urge residents to avoid handling any bat found on the ground or inside a home, even if it appears healthy.
State health officials use these confirmations to remind residents that rabies remains fatal once symptoms appear, making prompt medical evaluation after any exposure essential. Pet owners are encouraged to keep rabies vaccinations current, since a vaccinated animal that is exposed typically faces a far less severe quarantine and observation period than an unvaccinated one.
Anyone who believes they or a pet may have had contact with a wild or stray animal behaving unusually is advised to contact a healthcare provider or veterinarian promptly rather than wait for symptoms to appear. Cases like these three are reported individually as testing is completed, meaning additional confirmations are possible as the year continues.
