FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008
Public's help requested: Fox might have exposed couple to rabies
COLUMBIA – Health officials are seeking to locate an upstate man and woman to assist in evaluating them and their pets for possible exposure to rabies after a fox they had contact with tested positive for the disease, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced Thursday.
"The fox was brought by a couple believed to be hearing impaired to a local feed and seed store in the White Horse Road area of Greenville County on May 31," said Sue Ferguson of DHEC’s Bureau of Environmental Health. "The couple said the fox had been found sleeping with their dogs, so for their own protection both the couple and their pets need to be evaluated for rabies exposure risk.
"Because rabies is fatal to humans and animals, anyone bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal must undergo immediate preventive measures to stop the virus from reaching the brain," Ferguson said.
If you have had contact with this fox, or believe you might know someone who has, please contact DHEC in Greenville County at (864) 282-4139.
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For more information:
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov
CBNR1391