South Carolina | Spartanburg County residents advised to vaccinate pets against rabies, avoid stray animals
Columbia | 19 Jan 2012
A Spartanburg County woman who was bitten by a stray cat is under the care of a physician after the animal tested positive for rabies, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“The stray cat tried to run inside the woman’s house, which is near Lyman,” said Sue Ferguson of DHEC’s Bureau of Environmental Health, “and when she blocked it from entering, the cat bit her on the foot. Now, she must undergo treatment to prevent the spread of rabies through her body.”
According to Ferguson, once the rabies virus reaches the brain, the disease is fatal to humans and animals. Anyone bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal must undergo immediate measures to stop the virus from reaching the brain. The woman is receiving preventive inoculations.
“Avoid wild animals acting tame and tame animals acting wild,” Ferguson said. “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. Stray animals should be avoided as they can carry the disease.
“Therefore, to protect both the pets and their owners, residents should make sure their pets are regularly vaccinated against the disease. State law requires that all pets be vaccinated against rabies.
“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.”
This is the first confirmed rabid animal in Spartanburg County and the fifth statewide in 2012. In 2011, there were five in the county and 106 statewide.
For more information about rabies, see DHEC’s webpage at: http://www.scdhec.gov/rabies or contact DHEC’s Spartanburg County Environmental Health Office (864) 596-2227. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage about rabies can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies.
South Carolina | DHEC confirms flu’s arrival
Columbia SC | Influenza, or “the flu,” has officially arrived in South Carolina, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“We’ve confirmed the Influenza B virus in a 5-year-old child from Lexington County,” said Jennifer Meredith, Ph.D., of DHEC’s Division of Microbiology. “The flu case was confirmed through our annual statewide laboratory-based influenza surveillance program that includes partnerships with volunteer private practice physician offices, hospitals, colleges and nursing homes.”
“The confirmation of flu in our state reinforces the need for vaccination against this dangerous illness,” said Jerry Gibson, M.D., director of DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “The vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age or older. It remains the single best way to prevent the flu.
“Flu season typically peaks in February in South Carolina. But you should get vaccinated as soon as possible to give your body time to strengthen its natural resistance to the virus before you’re exposed,” Dr. Gibson said. “We strongly recommend flu vaccine for anyone who wants to reduce their risk from flu and its complications.”
Influenza is a naturally occurring viral disease that causes respiratory infections. Symptoms may include:
- A sudden onset of fever
- Dry cough
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness.
“You can reduce the chance of spreading flu and other viruses by covering your cough with a tissue or your sleeve, washing your hands often and staying home if you get sick,” Dr. Gibson said. “It’s never too late to get vaccinated against the flu.”
DHEC is only one of many flu shot providers. Check to see if your medical provider is offering flu shots.
Prices for the vaccine vary. DHEC clinics charge $25, which Medicare and Medicaid will cover for those who provide proof of eligibility. However, the shot will be provided regardless of ability to pay. Medicare Advantage enrollees should contact their plans to learn whether a certain provider needs to provide the flu shot. Flu vaccine is also provided to eligible children and adolescents through the CDC’s Vaccine for Children program at many doctors’ offices, community health centers and DHEC’s county public health departments.
For more information about the flu in South Carolina, flu vaccination, clinic times and locations visit http://www.scdhec.gov/flu, or call DHEC at (803) 898-0460 or 1-800-277-4687.
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