DHEC says bat found in Richland County tested positive for rabies

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed yesterday that a bat found in Columbia tested positive for rabies.

RICHLAND CO., S.C. (WOLO)— The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed yesterday that a bat found in Richland County tested positive for rabies. One dog will be quarantined after being exposed to the viral disease.

The bat was found near Brennen Road and Nandina Drive. At this time, no person has been exposed to the disease.

In a press release by DHEC, Rabies Program Team Leader Terri McCollister says, “People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten since bat teeth are tiny and bites are easy to overlook… Although bats can carry rabies, not every bat is infected with the virus. Bats are an important part of South Carolina’s ecosystems and deserve a healthy degree of respect just like all wild animals.”

DHEC encourages these tips for handling bats:

-Never handle a bat or any wild or stray animal, alive or dead, with your bare hands.

-Any bat that could have had potential contact with people, pets, or livestock should be safely trapped in a sealed container and not touched.

-Once a bat is released, it cannot be tested for rabies. Never release a bat that has potentially exposed a person or pet.

If you, or someone you know, have come in contact with the rabid bat found in Richland County or any other animal that may possibly be carrying the disease, please call DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Columbia office at (803) 896-0620 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).

For more information, visit scdhec.gov .