KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) – Eight people and two dogs have been exposed to a rabid kitten, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH).
DPH said the kitten was found wounded near Ashley Creek Drive and Vistaview Drive in Elgin. It was taken to DPH’s laboratory on Wednesday, where the department confirmed the kitten was rabid.
The eight people were referred to their healthcare providers, and the dogs were quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
Officials said a feral cat colony in the area might have been exposed to the rabid kitten as well.
“Stray and feral cats serve as a significant source for rabies exposure to people and pets,” said Rabies Program Director Terri McCollister. “In general, it is not a good idea to feed pets outside, especially if you leave food unsupervised. This practice can have negative consequences for people and pets because food attracts wildlife, resulting in conflicts to include disease and parasite transmission, predation, and safety concerns from neighbors.”
Anyone who believes they or their pets have come into contact with the kitten or another rabid animal is urged to call DPH’s Columbia office at (803) 896-4680 during normal business hours or at (888) 847-0902 after hours or on holidays.
Rabies is a serious viral disease typically spread through animal bites. Once a person infected with rabies starts presenting symptoms, the virus is nearly always fatal. Anyone who believes they might be infected should seek immediate medical attention.
In 2024, there were 81 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina. This kitten is the second confirmed case statewide in 2025.
Click here for more information.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
