News Summary
A rabid raccoon has been confirmed in Beaufort County, marking the first occurrence of rabies in the area this year. The raccoon was discovered on St. Helena Island, and testing confirmed rabies shortly after. Fortunately, there have been no human exposures, although one pet dog has been quarantined due to potential exposure. Health experts urge pet vaccinations against rabies to prevent its spread, emphasizing that both indoor and outdoor pets are at risk. Pet owners should report any contact with wildlife to the local health department for guidance.
Beaufort County, South Carolina – A rabid raccoon has been confirmed in Beaufort County, marking the first occurrence of rabies in the area this year. This incident is part of a larger trend, as the state has recorded its 43rd confirmed rabies case of 2025. The raccoon was discovered near West Cedar Road and Oakland Drive on St. Helena Island and was submitted for testing on July 10, 2025. The test results confirmed the presence of rabies the following day, July 11.
Fortunately, there have been no reported human exposures to this rabid raccoon. However, one pet dog was affected. As per state regulations, the exposed dog has been quarantined to prevent any potential spread of the rabies virus.
Rabies is a viral disease that spreads primarily through contact with the saliva of an infected animal, often via bites or scratches that come into contact with open wounds. The disease is fatal in animals if untreated, but it is entirely preventable through vaccination. Rabies vaccines are available in both one-year and three-year options, offering effective protection against this deadly virus.
Health experts recommend that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies, regardless of whether they are primarily kept indoors. This precaution is crucial as even indoor pets can encounter rabid wildlife or carry the virus indirectly. If a pet comes into contact with a dead animal, it is critical to report this to the Department of Health. This action will allow health officials to assess potential exposure and implement necessary quarantine procedures.
In the event that a pet is exposed to rabies, the guidelines for quarantine differ based on vaccination status. Vaccinated pets are required to undergo a quarantine period of 45 days, while unvaccinated pets must face a longer quarantine of 180 days. Pet owners who suspect that their animals may have encountered the rabid raccoon are urged to reach out to the Department of Public Health immediately for guidance.
Individuals can contact the Beaufort office during business hours at (843) 525-7603. For assistance after hours or on holidays, the hotline (888) 847-0902 is available, allowing callers to select Option 2 for immediate guidance. Keeping pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date is a vital measure for the protection of both the animals and the community.
Rabies is a serious concern in wildlife management and public health. The virus can be found in various wild animals, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks. In South Carolina, the rabies virus has been a consistent threat over the years, highlighting the importance of community awareness and responsible pet ownership.
For more detailed information regarding rabies and contact information for local Public Health offices, individuals can visit the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s website at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. Regular checks on pets’ vaccination status and understanding the necessary actions in the event of potential exposure are critical steps in preventing the spread of rabies within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Experts Speak on Preventative Rabies Care After Rabid Raccoon Found
- Google Search: RABIES RACCOON BEAUFORT COUNTY
- WSAV: Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Beaufort County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
- ABC News 4: Raccoon with Rabies Exposes Dog on St. Helena Island
- Google News: RABIES RACCOON SOUTH CAROLINA
- Island Packet: Rabid Raccoon Found in Beaufort County
- Google Scholar: RABIES VACCINATION DOGS
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.
