LITTLE RIVER, S.C. (WPDE) — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) confirmed a rabid raccoon was found near Highway 17 and Pavilion Drive.

SCDPH said one person was exposed and has been referred to their healthcare provider.

The animal was sent to DPH’s laboratory for testing on Sept. 11 and was confirmed to have rabies Sept. 12.

“Keeping your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is the easiest way to protect you and your family from this deadly virus,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager. “Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space.”

SCDPH said wildlife, including raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats are animals where rabies is most often found, but pets are just as susceptible to the virus.

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Officials added that if you see an animal, do not touch it but call a local animal control officer, wildlife control officer, or a wildlife rehabilitator.

SCDPH explained that exposure is defined as direct contact, such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth, with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal.

The raccoon is the third animal in Horry County to test positive for rabies in 2025, with 67 other cases of rabid animals statewide just this year alone.

SCDPH said if you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this raccoon or another animal that potentially has rabies call DPH’s Conway office at (843) 915-8801 (Select Option 7) during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).