Puppy exposes four people to rabies near Seneca

Four people have been referred to health care providers for consultation after being exposed to rabies in the Seneca area by a puppy that, according to South Carolina DHEC, tested positive for the virus. The puppy was attacked by a skunk several weeks ago and received veterinary care for injuries. But, at the time of the incident, it was too young to have been vaccinated against rabies and died. The skunk was a wild animal and not available for testing. Last year there were 139 confirmed cases of animal rabies in South Carolina. This year there have been eight confirmed cases in animals. The Oconee County puppy was the first animal to test positive in the county so far this year. Last year two animals tested positive.