Spartanburg Dog potentially exposes 5 People to Rabies

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reports that five people have been referred to their healthcare provider after potentially being exposed to rabies by a puppy that tested positive for the disease near the Town of Chesnee. The German Shepherd mix puppy was obtained on the premises of Burr’s Trading Post on June 20, 2016 from an individual not affiliated with the store. It was reported that several other puppies were also available for purchase. DHEC recommends that anyone who obtained or was exposed to a puppy there around this time should watch the animal for signs and symptoms of rabies and immediately seek veterinary care if the animal becomes ill. Signs and symptoms can include lethargy, fever, vomiting, weakness, not wanting to eat, aggression, abnormal behavior, difficulty walking, difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing. It is important to inform your veterinarian there is a possibility of rabies so they will be able to diagnose symptoms more quickly and have their staff take necessary precautions to protect themselves. If you suspect you obtained one of these puppies and no longer have the animal or the puppy died, contact your health care provider as soon as possible about a potential rabies exposure. In addition, contact DHEC’s Environmental Health Services Spartanburg Office at 864-596-3327. Rabies is a deadly, but preventable, viral disease that is transmitted when saliva or neural tissue of an infected animal is introduced into the human body, usually through a bite, or contact with an open wound or areas such as the mouth or eyes. Keeping your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccination is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family and your pets from this fatal disease. There have been 64 confirmed cases of animal rabies statewide this year.