COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) – The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed a person was exposed to rabies by a fox found in the Lake City area.
The victim, whom authorities did not identify, was referred to their healthcare provider after the animal tested positive for the virus.
The fox had been found near Gowdys Lane and Spring Road and was submitted for testing on Tuesday. Lab results confirmed rabies on Wednesday.
Anyone who believes they may have come in contact with the fox or anyone whose animals may have come in contact with it should call the Department of Public Health Conway office at 843-915-8801 during normal business hours or 888-847-0902 after hours or on weekends.
State health officials say an exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal.
If your pet is found with wounds of unknown origin, please consider that your pet may have been exposed to rabies.
It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease.
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