© UnknownA feral cat with a messed up ear.
"To reduce the risk of getting rabies, we recommend that people avoid wild animals acting tame and tame animals acting wild," said Sue Ferguson of S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control's Bureau of Environmental Health Services.
"About 275 South Carolinians must undergo preventive treatment for rabies every year, with most exposures coming from bites or scratches by a rabid or suspected rabid animal. Wild animals carry the disease most often, but domestic pets can contract rabies as well."
Ferguson said state law requires pet owners to have their pets regularly vaccinated against the disease.
"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," Ferguson said. "Then be sure to get medical attention and report the incident to DHEC."
There were 123 confirmed cases of animal rabies during 2013 in South Carolina.
There have been 2 confirmed cases in animals statewide this year. This animal is the first to test positive in 2014 from Williamsburg County.
"To reduce the risk of getting rabies, we recommend that people avoid wild animals acting tame and tame animals acting wild,"
That's great, but it probably could be applied to humans as well. There's a jungle of invisible forces and issues out there.