FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 28, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that two raccoons from different counties have tested positive for rabies.
The Greenwood County raccoon was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing Jan. 23, 2025, and was confirmed to have rabies Jan. 24, 2025. The Lancaster County raccoon was submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing Jan. 24, 2025, and was confirmed to have rabies Jan. 27, 2025. If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with either of these raccoons, or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH's Greenwood office at (864) 942-3600 or Rock Hill office at (803) 909-7096 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).
Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH. “Rabies virus can be present in the saliva of infected dogs, cats, and ferrets during illness and even several days before clinical signs develop. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted through a bite, scratch, broken skin, and the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose, or mouth. Immediately wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director. “Contact your local Public Health office for further guidance.”
It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. Both the Greenwood County raccoon and the Lancaster County raccoon are the first animals in their counties to test positive for rabies in 2025. There have been four cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 144 positive cases a year. In 2024, one of the 81 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Greenwood County and none were in Lancaster County.
Contact information for local Public Health offices is available at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. For more information on rabies, visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 20, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is proud to spotlight the state’s emergency medical services (EMS) professionals during National EMS Week. Every day, EMS professionals help save lives and safeguard the health, safety and well-being of their communities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) proudly partnered with the Lee County Council on Aging to create new signage consisting of artwork by local students at two newly renovated community walking tracks in Rembert and Bishopville.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 14, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is recognizing efforts being made to enhance the efficiency of stroke care and prevention throughout the state during the month of May, which is National Stroke Awareness Month.
A stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability or even death.