Greenville County, September 19, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed rabies cases in Greenville County, including a feral kitten and raccoon. Three individuals have been exposed to the rabid kitten and are now receiving medical treatment. With a total of 16 confirmed rabies cases in 2025, local authorities urge residents to vaccinate their pets and take precautions against this dangerous disease.
Greenville County, South Carolina Sees Rise in Rabies Cases
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed that a feral kitten in Greenville County has tested positive for rabies. The kitten was discovered near Veryfine Drive and Ariel Court in Fountain Inn. This incident has led to three individuals being exposed to the rabid kitten, who are now receiving treatment from healthcare providers. In addition to the individuals, five other cats also came into contact with the infected kitten and will be placed under quarantine to monitor their health.
In a related incident, a raccoon tested positive for rabies in Anderson County, located near Vicki Court and Keys Street. Fortunately, no humans were exposed to the rabid raccoon; however, three dogs that were in the vicinity will undergo quarantine to prevent any potential spread of the virus. Both the kitten and raccoon were submitted for rabies testing on September 16, revealing the alarming presence of the virus in local wildlife.
Reports indicate that confirmed cases of rabies have significantly risen in the Upstate region of South Carolina this year. As of now, there have been 16 confirmed cases of rabid animals statewide in 2025. This includes two raccoons from Anderson County that exposed one pet and two individuals. There was also a raccoon that tested positive in Spartanburg County, which exposed another pet.
Historical data shows South Carolina averages around 144 positive rabies cases annually since 2002. In Greenville County, three rabies cases were reported in 2024, but no cases had been confirmed in 2025 until this recent outbreak. Earlier this year, a raccoon found on January 7, 2025, near New Hope Road tested positive for rabies, leading to a dog being quarantined. In another instance, a raccoon tested positive on February 27, 2025, in Clemson, prompting two individuals to receive precautionary medical attention.
The rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva or neural tissue from infected animals. It is most commonly found in wildlife species, including raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. Terri McCollister from the SC Department of Public Health urges pet owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies as a protective measure to safeguard not just their pets but their families as well.
If individuals suspect they or their pets have encountered a rabid animal, they should wash the affected area thoroughly and seek immediate medical attention. Residents can report potential rabies exposures to the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s rabies reporting line at 888-847-0902 or contact their local health department for guidance.
Additionally, another notable case occurred on August 11, 2025, when a bat in Greenville County tested positive for rabies after being located near Oak Branch Drive and Open Range Lane. As a result, one person and two cats were exposed to the rabid bat, leading to the cats being placed under quarantine.
Rabies is a fatal disease that, once clinical symptoms appear, often leads to death. It is zoonotic, meaning it can affect mammals including pets and wildlife. This recent rise in rabies cases serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by this serious disease.
FAQ
What was recently reported regarding rabies cases in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a kitten in Greenville County tested positive for rabies. The feral kitten was found near Veryfine Drive and Ariel Court in Fountain Inn.
How many people were exposed to the rabid kitten?
Three people were exposed to the rabid kitten and are receiving treatment from healthcare providers.
What should individuals do if they suspect exposure to rabies?
If individuals suspect they or their pets have encountered a rabid animal, they should wash the affected area and seek medical attention immediately.
How many confirmed rabies cases have there been in South Carolina in 2025?
There have been 16 confirmed cases of rabid animals statewide in 2025, including cases in Anderson County and Spartanburg County.
What is the average number of rabies cases in South Carolina annually?
Historical data shows South Carolina averages approximately 144 positive rabies cases annually since 2002.
Key Features of Rabies Cases in South Carolina
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recent Cases | Feral kitten and raccoon tested positive in 2025 |
| Total Cases in 2025 | 16 confirmed cases statewide |
| Common Rabid Animals | Raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats |
| Preventive Measures | Vaccination for pets highly recommended |
| Reporting | Contact SC Department of Public Health’s rabies reporting line |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rabid Bat Found in Greenville County Raises Health Concerns
Rabies Exposure Reported in Greenville County
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Kitten Tests Positive for Rabies in Greenville County
- Greenville Online: Rabies Cases in South Carolina
- WYFF: Rabid Bat Confirmed in Greenville County
- Vax Before Travel: Rabies Cases in South Carolina
- Greenville Online: Rabid Bat Confirmed in Upstate SC
- Wikipedia: Rabies
- Google Search: Rabies
- Google Scholar: Rabies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
- Google News: Rabies
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
