Kitten tests positive for rabies in Beaufort County, 9 exposed

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - A kitten found near Sea Island Parkway and Eustis Landing Road in Beaufort has tested positive for rabies.

Nine people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers.

Three kittens were also exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

The Beaufort County kitten was submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing Aug. 28, 2025, and was confirmed to have rabies Aug. 29, 2025.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) says if you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with the kitten or another animal that potentially has rabies, call DPH’s Greenwood office at(864) 942-3600 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at(888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).

“To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager. “If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator, or wildlife rehabilitator.”

The Beaufort County kitten is the second animal in that county to test positive for rabies.

There have been 60 cases of rabid animals statewide this year.

For more information on rabies: