MARION COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – A cat found in Marion County tested positive for rabies and exposed two people, according to state officials.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environment said the cat was found near the intersection of Highway 76 and Lipscomb Road in Mullins. It is the first animal to test positive for rabies in Marion County this year.
According to the agency, the two exposed people were referred to their health care providers.
DHEC said another cat found in Greenville County also tested positive for rabies, exposing five more people. Both cats were tested in DHEC facilities on Monday.
“Keeping your pets informed about their rabies vaccination is the easiest way to keep you and your family safe from this deadly virus,” said Terri McCollister, director of the DHEC rabies program. “Every mammal has the ability to transmit the disease and to pass it on to humans or pets. So give wild and stray animals plenty of space. “
McCollister also says pets are prone to rabies, but the virus is most commonly found in wildlife like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats.
Anyone who has concerns that they or their pets have been exposed to rabies at Pee Dee are encouraged to call the DHEC Florence office at (843) 661-4825 or (888) 847-0902.
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