Beaufort County, September 3, 2025
News Summary
A kitten found in Beaufort County, South Carolina, has tested positive for rabies, exposing nine individuals. Following the incident, three additional kittens are quarantined. This marks the second confirmed rabies case in the county this year, amid rising statewide concerns about the disease. Health authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and report any suspected rabid animals to local professionals.
Beaufort County Reports Rabies Positive Kitten
A kitten found near Sea Island Parkway and Eustis Landing Road in Beaufort County, South Carolina, has tested positive for rabies. This alarming discovery has led to the identification of nine individuals who were exposed to the infected animal. These individuals have been referred to their healthcare providers for preventive measures.
Additionally, three other kittens that were in proximity to the infected kitten will undergo quarantine in compliance with the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The rabies-positive kitten was submitted for testing to the Department of Public Health (DPH) laboratory on August 28, 2025, and the confirmation was received the following day on August 29, 2025.
This incident marks the second confirmed rabies case in animals within Beaufort County this year. Statewide, South Carolina has reported a total of 60 confirmed rabies cases in animals in 2025 alone, highlighting an ongoing concern regarding rabies exposure in both wildlife and domestic animals.
Health Safety Recommendations
The DPH advises anyone who believes they may have come into contact with the infected kitten or any other potentially rabid animals to contact their Greenwood office at (864) 942-3600 during business hours or at (888) 847-0902 after hours and on holidays. Rabies poses a serious threat to both humans and pets, making vigilance essential.
Preventative Measures
Terri McCollister, the Rabies Program manager, emphasizes the importance of keeping a safe distance from wild and stray animals. Individuals are encouraged to avoid touching animals that appear sick or disoriented and to report any suspicious encounters to trained professionals such as local animal control officers or wildlife rehabilitators. These steps play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of rabies transmission.
Background on Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that primarily affects mammals and is typically transmitted through saliva via bites or scratches. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making immediate medical treatment crucial for those who may have been exposed. Vaccination for pets and responsible behavior around wild animals are key components of rabies prevention strategies.
As cases of rabies continue to emerge in South Carolina, community awareness and education are fundamental in combating the spread of this preventable disease.
Conclusion
The recent rabies case underscores the importance of remaining cautious and informed about potential rabies exposure. Residents are urged to monitor their pets and contact healthcare providers if they suspect any exposure to rabies-infected animals.
FAQs
What should I do if I think I was exposed to a rabid animal?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately for assessment and potential treatment.
How can I protect my pet from rabies?
Ensure your pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and avoid allowing them to roam unsupervised.
What are the symptoms of rabies in animals?
Symptoms can include aggression, unusual behavior, paralysis, and excessive drooling among other signs of illness.
How can I report a potentially rabid animal?
Contact local animal control or professionals trained in wildlife rehabilitation in your area.
Is rabies preventable?
Yes, rabies is preventable through vaccinations for pets and prompt medical attention after exposure.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Incident | Beaufort County, SC |
| Estimated Cases This Year | 60 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina |
| Individuals Exposed | 9 people referred for medical assessment |
| Additional Exposures | 3 kittens quarantined |
| Initial Test Submission Date | August 28, 2025 |
| Rabies Confirmation Date | August 29, 2025 |
| Health Department Contact | (864) 942-3600 / (888) 847-0902 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Kitten Tests Positive for Rabies in Beaufort County
- Google Search: Rabies South Carolina
- WJCL: Beaufort County Kitten Rabies Report
- Wikipedia: Rabies
- Island Packet: Rabies Case in Beaufort County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
- WYFF: South Carolina Rabies Alert
- Google Search: Preventing Rabies
- ABC News 4: Rabid Stray Cat Alert in Beaufort County
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
