SC people, dogs exposed to rabid cat in Horry County. Here's where and when

An Horry County cat from a feral colony tested positive for rabies on Monday, Sept. 8 after exposing two people and two dogs to the deadly disease.

The small gray, black and orange cat was found near Glenwood Drive and Fair Bluff Highway in Green Sea and submitted to the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s laboratory on Sept. 5. Horry County Animal Control is working to identify whether additional feral or stray cats in the area have been exposed.

South Carolina averages roughly 144 rabies cases a year, and two animals have tested positive in Horry County so far this year. According to the SCDPH, stray and feral cats are a significant source of rabies exposure.

“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” SCDPH Rabies Program manager Terri McColliste said in a statement. “If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator or wildlife rehabilitator.”

Rabies is fatal but preventable. The viral disease is spread through direct contact through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth with saliva or brain or nervous system tissue from an infected animal.

After exposure, it’s imperative to get treatment before symptoms start. The people exposed were exposed to health care providers and the dogs are being quarantined in accordance with the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

SCDPH stresses the importance of keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccinations and recommends contacting a veterinary office for any pets in the area that have received unexplained injuries or interacted with feral cats in recent weeks.

If you, your pet or someone you know may have come in contact with an animal infected with rabies, you can reach SCDPH’s Conway office at (843) 915-8801 during business hours or at (888) 847-0902 after hours and on holidays.