FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2007
DHEC continuing multi-state rabies investigation as more softball teams located
COLUMBIA – Efforts continue to locate two South Carolina teams that participated in the South Atlantic Summer Showdown softball tournament in Spartanburg County July 13-15 as an investigation continues following the identification of a rabid kitten found at the tournament, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“We have spoken to or e-mailed coaches and representatives of over 20 teams scattered throughout the state,” said Lena Bretous, M.D., of DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “We also still want to speak with the person who put the gray kitten into a trash can at the Boiling Springs complex as their health could be in jeopardy.”
Bretous said among the teams still to be contacted and ages of the players include “Americaz Most Wanted,” (16 and under) and the Carolina Thunder Cats (16 and under).
“So far, only one person from Spartanburg County is undergoing post-exposure treatment,” Bretous said. “However, it is vital for us to reach everyone who participated in the softball tournament to evaluate anyone who might have been exposed to stray kittens in the area of the facilities.”
Dr. Bretous said fields used in the South Atlantic Summer Showdown tournament included the 295 Sports Complex, 2100 Southport Road, Spartanburg; Southside Complex off Groce Road, Spartanburg; North Spartanburg Complex, 1150 Old Furnace Road, Boiling Springs; and the Boiling Springs Youth Athletic Association Complex on Bryant Road in Boiling Springs.
Bretous said anyone who was at any of the recreational facilities for softball tournament games July 13-15 and had direct contact with a gray kitten that was passed around in a box or any other stray kittens in that area should call their local health department for evaluation. Anyone who was bitten, scratched, licked or otherwise exposed to a kitten’s saliva should call their local health department for evaluation. Simply petting the kitten is not a risk for rabies. To reduce the risk of rabies, parents should teach their children to avoid picking up or handling strays.
Dr. Bretous said anyone with information about the two teams or who placed the kitten in the trash barrel should contact their local DHEC county public health department.
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For more information:
Thom Berry – (803) 898-3885
E-mail – berrytw@dhec.sc.gov
BNR1789