Rabid Raccoons Confirmed in South Carolina, Georgia, West Virginia Expose Humans, Pets

Rabid raccoons have been reported in multiple U.S. locations, including Greenville County, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and Monongalia County, West Virginia. In Greenville County, one person and three dogs were exposed to a rabid raccoon and have been quarantined, while in Savannah, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who was vaccinated is seeking post-exposure treatment after caring for a rabid raccoon. West Virginia officials confirmed a raccoon that bit an individual tested positive for rabies, urging residents to ensure pets are vaccinated and to watch for animals displaying abnormal behavior like foaming at the mouth or unusual activity during daylight. Public health departments emphasize the seriousness of rabies exposure, recommend avoiding contact with wild animals, and stress the importance of pet vaccination and proper waste management to prevent attracting wildlife. Rabies symptoms in animals include aggression, biting, and paralysis, while in humans early symptoms include fever and headache progressing to severe neurological signs and death if untreated. Authorities are distributing educational materials and oral rabies vaccines in affected areas to mitigate the risk.