BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon has tested positive for rabies.

The raccoon was discovered in the vicinity of West Cedar Road and Oakland Drive on St. Helena Island, S.C. While there have been no reports of human contact, a dog was exposed and will undergo quarantine in compliance with the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

DPH’s laboratory tested the raccoon on July 10, 2025, and confirmed it to have rabies on July 11, 2025.

“Rabies is generally spread through bites or scratches that permit the saliva of an infected animal to enter a person’s body or that of another animal. Nevertheless, rabies may also be transmitted if infected saliva or neural tissue comes into contact with open wounds, or bodily parts such as the eyes, nose, or mouth,” stated Terri McCollister, the Rabies Program director. “To minimize the risk of rabies exposure, maintain a safe distance from wild and stray animals. Should you encounter an animal in distress, refrain from touching it and reach out to professionals skilled in animal handling, such as local animal control officers, wildlife control operators, or wildlife rehabilitators. It is crucial to report all incidents involving animal bites, scratches, or exposure to potentially rabid animals to DPH.”

Keeping pets current on their rabies vaccinations is vital, as this is one of the simplest and most effective measures to guard against the disease. This particular raccoon is the first animal in Beaufort County to be confirmed positive for rabies in 2025.

If you believe either you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact please call DPH’s Beaufort office at (843) 525-7603.

Contact information for local Public Health offices is available here. For more information on rabies, click here or here.