FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 21, 2025
Hours extended to help answer individuals’ questions about DPH services related to winter weather.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is expanding the hours of its public information Care Line beginning today. Care Line representatives will be available to answer questions about any DPH public health department services that are interrupted due to winter weather and provide other weather-related information.
The Care Line number is 1-855-472-3432 and will be open for calls 24 hours a day beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21, until further notice. DPH will notify residents when the Care Line resumes its regular hours and services.
For more information about winter weather safety tips, visit scemd.org.
About DPH’s Care Line
DPH’s Care Line helps residents find important health care services they need. Services include prenatal care, infant health care, transportation to medical appointments, family planning, well child check-ups, vaccinations, services for children with special health care needs, and much more. Learn more here.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 27, 2026
Today, as we declare an end to the Upstate measles outbreak, the largest in the United States in more than 35 years, I wish to humbly and profoundly thank the many South Carolinians whose hard work prevented this outbreak from becoming far larger and more serious than it could have become. I am very thankful for their efforts and support during this challenging time.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 27, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is declaring a formal end to the measles outbreak in the Upstate that totaled 997 cases from October 2025 through March of this year.
The last confirmed case was reported March 15, and a period of 42 days of no new cases is required to declare the end of a measles outbreak. This number is double the number of days for an incubation period (21 days) and is a clear indicator of a broken transmission chain.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 24, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near New Hope and Beaker roads in Heath Springs, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Apr. 23, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Marlboro Avenue between McDonald Drive and Dicks Circle in Barnwell, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. At this time, no pets are known to have been exposed.