Winnsboro SC — Two Winnsboro area residents have been exposed to rabies through an infected animal. The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported Tuesday that two residents were being treated for rabies are from Fairfield County. This is the second animal to test positive for rabies in Fairfield County this year.
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The town of Winnsboro would like to make all residents aware of this health hazard and remind owners of animals that it is a state law to have your pet regularly vaccinated against rabies.
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DHEC recommends that people avoid wild animals acting tame and tame animals acting wild. Most often wild animals carry the disease, but domestic pets can contract rabies as well.
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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. Then be sure to get medical attention and report the incident to DHEC.
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For more information about rabies, see DHEC’s webpage at http://www.scdhec.gov/rabies, or contact your local DHEC BEHS office at http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/behs/regions.htm