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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed that a cat in Richland County has tested positive for rabies. The cat was found near East Davidson and Davidson roads in Columbia and was submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing on Nov. 6 and was confirmed to have rabies on Nov. 7. Six people were confirmed to have been exposed to the cat and were referred to their health providers for additional testing and potential treatment. “It is very important for you to seek medical attention if you have been exposed to a wild, stray, or domestic animal. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted through a bite, scratch, broken skin, and the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose, or mouth. Immediately wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water,” Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager for DPH, said in a statement. If you believe that you or your pet has come into contact with this cat, contact DPH at 888-847-0902 and select option 2. This cat is the first animal to test positive for rabies in Richland County this year. More information about rabies cases in South Carolina can be found here. To find the contact information for your local public health office, click here. Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here. WATCH US LIVE Watch WIS live during newscasts and Soda City Living in the livestream player below. When WIS is not on the air, the player will feature Gray Media’s Local News Live.
