BLYTHEWOOD – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed that a fox found near Brunner Circle and High Pointe Drive in the Cobblestone Park neighborhood in Blythewood has tested positive for rabies.
One person was potentially exposed and has been referred to their healthcare provider. Three dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
The fox was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing on Nov. 1. Test results were reported positive on Nov. 2.
Two other rabid foxes found in Winnsboro caused exposures in July and again in September.
“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program Team Leader with DHEC. “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.”
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, consider that your pet may have been exposed to rabies.
If you believe that you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this fox, or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Columbia office at (803) 896-0620 between 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).
Keep pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This fox is the tenth animal in Richland County to test positive for rabies in 2021.
For more information on rabies, visit www.scdhec.gov/rabies or www.cdc.gov/rabies.
