Puppy’s saliva may have been exposed to rabies

South Carolina DHEC requests anyone who thinks they may have come in contact with the puppy referenced in a July 23 news release to contact the DHEC offices in Aiken or Florence, if they are not already in communication with the agency.  The state health agency has learned the puppy was about seven weeks old ands weighed about five pounds.  It was a small, tan-and-white pit bull puppy.  Anyone who came in contact with the puppy’s saliva may have been exposed to rabies and should seek medical attention.  Animals can shed the rabies virus for up to two weeks before they show symptoms or signs of rabies.  In the first news release, DHEC reported the puppy was born in Edgefield County near Lanier Road in Johnston.  It and a litter-mate were brought to a gathering in Clearwater, SC around the same time.  The litter-mate is unaccounted for and was allegedly given away during the gathering.  The rabid puppy was later taken to a birthday party in Florence.  Health officials are attempting to identify the litter-mate to verify its health status and prevent the potential spread of the rabies virus.