CHARLESTON, S.C. — A raccoon found in Charleston’s West Ashley area has been confirmed rabid, and one person who came near it may have been exposed, according to South Carolina’s Department of Public Health.
The animal turned up near where Sam Rittenberg Boulevard meets Old Towne Road. State health workers sent it to their lab on Oct. 12, and the positive result came back a day later. The person who was exposed has been sent to a health care provider for follow-up.
The case is the 12th rabid animal confirmed in Charleston County so far in 2026. Statewide, South Carolina sees roughly 136 positive animal cases in a typical year.
Health officials note that you cannot tell by looking whether an animal carries rabies. Anyone bitten or scratched should wash the wound right away and get medical care, and keeping pets current on rabies shots remains one of the simplest protections.
People who think they, a relative or a pet were exposed to this raccoon or any other animal that might be rabid can reach the agency’s rabies reporting line at 888-847-0902, then choose option 2.
Filed under: Charleston SC Health News
