The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a kitten found with wounds of unknown origin near Ashley Creek and Vistaview drives in Elgin, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Eight people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. Two dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. A feral cat colony was observed in the area and was potentially exposed. 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.
The kitten was submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing on Jan. 15, 2025, and was confirmed to have rabies the same day. If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this kitten or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH’s Columbia office at (803) 896-4680 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).
It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This kitten is the first animal in Kershaw County to test positive for rabies in 2025. There have been two cases of rabid animals statewide this year. For more information on rabies, visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies