A rabid bat found near Stockport Circle and Kirkwall Drive in Summerville, South Carolina, exposed one dog, which is now quarantined under the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. No human exposures are reported, but officials stress that bat bites can be tiny and overlooked, urging contact with DPH’s Charleston office at (843) 953-4713 (business hours) or (888) 847-0902 after hours if exposure is suspected.​
Incident Details
The bat was submitted for testing on December 30, 2025, and confirmed rabid on December 31 by the South Carolina Department of Public Health lab. Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, noted bats’ ecological importance but warned against handling wildlife, as rabies requires lab confirmation. This aligns with recent Lowcountry patterns, given your interest in regional news and outdoor activities near Summerville and Dorchester County.​
Exposure Risks
Exposure occurs via direct contact with infected saliva through broken skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. Unusual bat behaviors like daytime activity, flight issues, or appearing indoors signal potential rabies, though not all bats carry it. For pets like dogs, keep rabies vaccinations current to minimize risks during hikes or yard time in the area.​
Quarantine RulesA dog that was exposed to a rabid bat in Summerville was placed under quarantine.
Vaccinated pets face 45-day quarantine with immediate revaccination; unvaccinated ones require 180 days, vaccinated after 150 days if symptom-free. Humans need prompt post-exposure prophylaxis if exposed. Report suspicions immediately to prevent spread in your South Carolina community.
