One person, two pets exposed as two York County animals test positive for rabies
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- South Carolina lab confirmed two rabid skunks in Rock Hill on Oct. 1, 2025.
- Two dogs quarantined and one person referred for care after exposures.
- Residents should avoid contact and report potential exposures to 803-896-4680.
Two York County skunks tested positive for rabies, the South Carolina Department of Public Health announced Thursday.
The health department asks any who believes they, someone they know or any pets may have come in contact with a rabid animal to call the Columbia office at 803-896-4680. The after-hours number is 888-847-0902.
One skunk was found near Bookout and Percival roads in Rock Hill. No people are known to be exposed, but two dogs were exposed and are under quarantine.
Another skunk was found near Bynum and Richland avenues, also in Rock Hill. One person was exposed and was referred to a healthcare provider.
The health department lists the cases as separate incidents. Both skunks were submitted to the state health department laboratory on Sept. 30. Rabies cases were confirmed on Oct. 1.
The best way to prevent rabies infections in people is to give wild and stray animals plenty of space, said state Rabies Program Manager Terri McCollister.
“If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator or wildlife rehabilitator,” McCollister said in Thursday’s announcement.
The state defines a rabies exposure as direct contact with an infected animal through broken skin, the eyes, nose or mouth.
Eight animals have tested positive for rabies this year in York County, according to the health department. There have been 77 cases statewide. Last year, six of the 81 statewide cases were in York County. Since 2002, South Carolina averages about 144 cases per year.
