An Horry County man was bitten and scratched by a stray cat which later tested positive for rabies.
The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control says the man is being treated by a doctor.
"Once the rabies virus reaches the brain, the disease is fatal to humans and animals," said Sue Ferguson of DHEC's Bureau of Environmental Health. "The man, who was attacked in the Colonial Charters subdivision in Longs, is receiving preventive inoculations."
Ferguson says anyone bitten, scratched or even exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal needs to get immediate treatment to stop the rabies virus from reaching the brain.
"Avoid wild animals acting tame and tame animals acting wild," Ferguson said. "About 400 South Carolinians must undergo preventive treatment for rabies every year, with most exposures from being bitten or scratched by a rabid or suspected rabid animal. Wild animals carry the disease most often, but domestic pets can contract rabies as well.
"Therefore, to protect both the pets and their owners, residents should make sure their pets are regularly vaccinated against the disease. State law requires that all pets be vaccinated against rabies.
"If you think you have been exposed to the rabies virus through a bite, scratch or the saliva of a possibly infected animal, immediately wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water," she said. "Then be sure to get medical attention and report the incident to DHEC."
This is the second confirmed rabid animal in Horry County in 2011. Last year, there were seven rabid animals confirmed in the county. In 2010, there were 106 confirmed cases of rabies in animals in South Carolina. So far this year, there have been 38 confirmed cases in animals in the state.
For more information about rabies, see DHEC's webpage or contact DHEC's Horry County Environmental Health Office (843) 915-8801. Click here for rabies information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
