Beaufort County, September 4, 2025
News Summary
A rabies outbreak in Beaufort County has led to confirmed cases involving pets and wildlife, including a rabid kitten on Lady’s Island. With nine people referred for evaluation and other kittens quarantined, local health officials urge residents to exercise caution. Raccoons and bats continue to be primary carriers of the disease in South Carolina, and residents are advised to report any potentially rabid animals.
Beaufort, South Carolina — A recent rabies outbreak has raised concerns among residents and pet owners in the Lowcountry, with multiple cases confirmed involving pets and wildlife. A kitten on Lady’s Island tested positive for rabies, as confirmed by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH). It was found near the intersection of Sea Island Parkway (U.S. 21) and Eustis Landing Road, where it was tested on August 28 and confirmed positive for rabies on August 29.
As a result of this incident, nine people who came into contact with the rabid kitten have been referred to their healthcare providers for evaluation and necessary treatment. Additionally, three other kittens that were exposed will be quarantined as mandated by state law. Under South Carolina’s Rabies Control Act, unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must be revaccinated immediately and quarantined for a minimum of 45 days, while those without a vaccination history that have been exposed require a quarantine period of 180 days.
This kitten marks the second confirmed case of rabies in Beaufort County this year; earlier in July, a rabid raccoon was reported in St. Helena Island. The SCDPH is urging residents to exercise caution around wild and stray animals to decrease the risk of rabies exposure. Any potentially rabid animals should be reported to local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation agencies.
The issue of rabies in the region is not new. In September 2022, a woman was attacked by a likely rabid raccoon on Hilton Head Island, which highlighted the importance of remaining vigilant around wildlife. In another recent incident in Charleston, a raccoon was identified near Dogwood and Becky roads on August 5, 2024. This raccoon exposed one person and one dog to rabies; both were appropriately referred for medical attention, and the dog was quarantined according to regulations. This incident resulted in the raccoon being confirmed rabid on August 6, 2024.
In total, as of 2024, Charleston County has reported six rabid animal cases, contributing to a statewide total of 49 cases. Raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats are the primary carriers of rabies in South Carolina. Since 2002, the state has averaged approximately 144 positive rabies cases each year.
Another rabid raccoon case was reported in Charleston on March 6, 2025. A dog exposed to that raccoon subsequently tested positive for rabies. Additionally, a bat discovered in North Charleston tested positive for rabies on August 1, after testing the previous day. Fortunately, there has been no known human exposure linked to this bat, although one dog was exposed and is currently undergoing quarantine.
The public is advised to never handle bats or any wild animals without appropriate precautions to avoid potential rabies exposure. With ongoing rabies incidents in the Lowcountry, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets.
Rabies Control Measures in South Carolina
- Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must be revaccinated and quarantined for at least 45 days.
- Unvaccinated pets that have been exposed require a quarantine of a minimum of 180 days.
- Residents should report potentially rabid animals to local authorities.
Rabies Awareness and Prevention
- Keep a safe distance from wild and stray animals.
- Ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies.
- Educate family members about the risks associated with animal exposure.
Additional Rabies Statistics
As of 2024, significant data involving rabies cases in South Carolina includes:
- Total rabid animal cases in 2024: 49
- Average annual cases since 2002: 144
- Recent confirmed rabid animals: Raccoons and bats in various counties.
FAQ Section
FAQs about Rabies Outbreak
What should I do if I encounter a wild animal that looks sick?
Please maintain a safe distance and contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation agency for assistance.
How do I protect my pets from rabies?
Ensure that your pets are vaccinated against rabies and avoid letting them interact with wild or stray animals.
What are the symptoms of rabies in animals?
Common symptoms of rabies include behavioral changes, fear of water, aggression, and excessive drooling. If you notice these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately.
What should I do if my pet is exposed to a rabid animal?
Take your pet to a veterinarian right away for evaluation and quarantine, especially if they are unvaccinated.
Rabies Case Statistics
| Year | Total Cases | Confirmed Rabid Animals | Average Cases Since 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 49 | Raccoons and Bats | 144 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Resident and Dog Exposed to Rabies
- Count On 2: Person & Dog Exposed to Rabid Raccoon
- Post and Courier: Rabid Bat Bites Resident
- Island Packet: Rabies Cases in Beaufort County
- Wikipedia: Rabies
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.
