FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Aug. 28, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) urges residents to avoid recalled Boar’s Head deli meat following a national Listeria outbreak that might have contributed to two deaths in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.
Since July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been investigating a Listeria outbreak that has led to 43 hospitalizations and three deaths across 13 states as of Aug. 8. The deaths in South Carolina will be added to CDC’s map later this week.
"Unfortunately, an outbreak of Listeria has reached our state, and is potentially the cause of two deaths here,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “We want to ensure South Carolinians are aware of this outbreak and that everyone takes necessary steps to avoid consuming products that could be the source of infection.”
Epidemiologic, laboratory and traceback data show that some meats sliced at delis, including Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, are contaminated with Listeria and are making people sick, according to CDC. Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst Products and other deli products from the same processing plant have been recalled.
DPH and CDC recommend the following steps to avoid Listeria:
Additional steps should be taken by those who are at higher risk. Listeria is especially harmful to people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older or who have weakened immune systems. CDC always recommends people at higher risk for listeriosis avoid eating meats sliced at the deli or heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot before eating.
Delis that received recalled meats should thoroughly clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces and throw away any open meats and cheeses in the deli. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service also advises businesses to use best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas.
For up-to-date information on the Listeria outbreak, visit the CDC website.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 28, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is raising awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on how to prevent it.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to honor survivors, amplify prevention efforts and work toward a safer South Carolina.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 24, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is joining South University's Columbia campus and several community partners for a disaster preparedness event aimed at providing real-world experience for nursing students.
Scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 at 9 Science Court in Columbia, the event offers a variety of interactive stations to enable nursing students to work alongside public health and safety officials in simulated disaster scenarios.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 22, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to drop off unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs during the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 21, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Fruit and Vegetable Outlet Inventory (FVOI), a key initiative aimed at improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables for communities throughout the state.