Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- According to health officials, a child in Newberry was attacked by a stray cat on Sunday, and that animal has since tested positive for rabies.
The child has been taken under a physician's care where they received preventative inoculations, according to officials with the Department of Health and Environmental Control. Related Coverage: Rabid Bat Bites Lexington County Man
"The child was visiting a relative's home in the Pomaria area of Newberry County last Sunday," said Sue Ferguson of DHEC's Bureau of Environmental Health. "The cat was one of a group of strays that were being fed. The cat was captured after attacking the child."
The case marks the third rabies case in Newberry for 2009. Ferguson says any person or animal bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal should immediately wash the affected area, and call a physician. Ferguson says those bitten need to take measures to stop the virus from reaching the brain. At that point, she says, the disease is fatal.
DHEC officials warn residents to be aware of wild animals that appear tame and pets that act in a wild manner. They urge pet owners to get their pets vaccinated as a precaution. South Carolina law requires all pets to be vaccinated against rabies.
"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," Ferguson said.
Last year, there were eight rabid animals confirmed in the county. In 2008, there were 166 confirmed cases of rabies in animals in South Carolina. So far this year, there have been 140 confirmed cases in animals in the state.
For more information about rabies, visit DHEC's website, click on the A-Z list, select "R" and then click on rabies or contact DHEC's Newberry County Environmental Health office at (803) 321-2175.
11/18/2009 4:14:43 PM
