CHAPIN, S.C. (WACH) – Residents in the Chapin area of Lexington County are warned to avoid wild animals after a rabid fox was found in the area.

Sue Ferguson with DHEC’s Bureau of Environmental Health said, "Avoid wild animals acting tame and tame animals acting wild. About 275 South Carolinians are advised to undergo preventive treatment for rabies every year, with most exposures from being bitten or scratched by a rabid or suspected rabid animal. Wild animals carry the disease most often, but domestic pets can contract rabies as well."
 
Ferguson says state law requires pet owners to have their pets are regularly vaccinated against the disease.
 
"If you think you have been exposed to the rabies virus through a bite, scratch or the saliva of a possibly infected animal, immediately wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water," she said. "Then be sure to get medical attention and report the incident to DHEC."
 
While this is the fourth confirmed rabid animal of the year in Lexington County, three rabid animals were confirmed there last year. There were 107 confirmed cases of animal rabies during 2011 in South Carolina. There have been 59 confirmed cases in animals statewide this year.