January 21, 2021
TO: Persons near Wellington Drive and Weir Street in Charleston, SC
FROM: Wendy Boswell, Area Director
Low Country Environmental Affairs Charleston Office
Bureau of Environmental Health Services
SUBJECT: RABID RACCOON
On January 20, 2021, a raccoon in your area tested POSITIVE for the rabies virus. The rabid
raccoon is now deceased.
Due to the possibility of the spread of rabies, DHEC urges you to use caution when dealing with
wild or stray animals. If you have reason to believe that you, someone you know, or your pets
have come into contact with this raccoon or another animal that potentially has rabies, please
call DHEC's Environmental Affairs Charleston office at (843) 953-0150 (Monday-Friday, 8:30
a.m.-5:00 p.m.) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).
If your pet appears to have been bitten, scratched, or is found with wounds of unknown origin,
please consider that your pet could have been exposed to rabies and contact the Charleston
office. This is especially important as rabies has been confirmed in your area. Use caution when
handling injured pets and avoid contact with wounds and saliva. Take any injured pet to a
veterinarian so the wounds can be treated and rabies vaccination can be discussed.
Please remember that rabies vaccinations for pets are required by the South Carolina Rabies
Control Act. If your pet does not have a current rabies vaccination, contact a veterinarian as soon
as possible for an appointment. For more information on rabies in South Carolina, visit our
website: www.scdhec.gov/rabies.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping to reduce the spread of rabies in your community
To report chemical spills, oil spills, or fish kills, call our toll-free 24-hour environmental response line at 1-888-481-0125
Town of James Island News
www.jamesislandsc.us
1122 Dills Bluff Rd. (843) 795-4141