SCDPH: Rabid bat found in Richland County, 3 people exposed
RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– SC Department of Public Health says a bat from Richland County has tested positive for rabies.
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Photo: South Carolina Department of Public Health
In Richland County, a bat was found near Lincoln and Aiken streets in Columbia.
Three people were exposed and have been referred to their healthcare providers.
One cat was exposed and will be quarantined per the Rabies Control Act, says SCDPH.
The bat was submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing May 18, 2026, and was confirmed to have rabies May 19, 2026.
If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this bat, or another animal that potentially has rabies call DPH’s rabies 24-hour rabies reporting line at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).
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, say health officials.
Never release a bat that has potentially exposed a person or pet. Once a bat is released, it cannot be tested for rabies.
“Rabid bats have been known to transmit the rabies virus,” says Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager. “People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten since bat teeth are tiny and bites are easy to overlook.”
Contact information for your local public health offices is available at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. For more information on rabies, visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.
