- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 8, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon, , found near Highway 304 and Chavis Road in Blackville, 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. The raccoon was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing Oct. 1, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies Oct. 2, 2024. If you believe you, someone you…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . "To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space. If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator , or a wildlife rehabilitator . Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH.” It is important…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 15, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Each October, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) joins organizations across the nation in recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year, DPH’s Cancer Programs are focusing on the life-saving role of screenings and early detection. Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumors. There…, said Selena Lowery, director of DPH’s Best Chance Network, . “They might be busy, scared, or don’t know it is important, but the screening is a straightforward process, and those 20 minutes could save your life.” The South Carolina Cancer Registry estimates that close to 750 women will die in 2024 due to breast cancer. Regular breast cancer screenings, mammograms, along with monthly self-breast exams can help women identify breast cancer at an early…, Lowery said, . “Our program can help you find local a screening provider in your local area.” DPH and partner organizations across the state offer cervical and mammogram screenings throughout the year. For a full list of screening events, visit DPH’s Best Chance Network webpage . To learn more about breast cancer, risk factors, and screening, visit the DPH website . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 29, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a, skunk found near Graden and Calf Barn roads in Ware Shoals, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Four dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The skunk was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing on Oct. 25, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies on Oct. 28, 2024. If you believe you,…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . “Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space.” In South Carolina, rabies is most often found in wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but pets are just as susceptible to the virus. If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it. Contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 30, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking community input to help develop the first statewide strategic plan to support Community Violence Intervention and Prevention (CVIP) programs in South Carolina. In late-October, DPH, in conjunction with ISI Consulting, will distribute a survey to gather information from community members throughout the…, said, , Constance Lake, DPH’s CVIP program manager, . “DPH is excited to fund local programs with the ultimate goal of reducing violence and keeping South Carolinians and our communities safe.” CVIP awards mini-grants to nonprofit and community-based partnerships that serve communities disproportionately affected by violence and are to be used to implement initiatives aimed at reducing violence. Grant recipients have included entities such as Be…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 5, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near Bridge Creek and Piper roads in Ridge Spring, South Carolina, 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. The raccoon was submitted to DPH…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . "However, infected saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies. To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space.” If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 6, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Lincoln and East Old Limestone roads in York, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Two people were potentially exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . “Any mammal has the ability to carry and transmit the disease to people or pets. Therefore, give wild and stray animals plenty of space.” In South Carolina, rabies is most often found in wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but pets are just as susceptible to the virus. If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it. Contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 18, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a fox found near Alverson and Cannon Ford roads in Inman, 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. The fox was submitted to DPH's laboratory for…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . 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. 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…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 19, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In honor of World Alzheimer’s Day, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to learn more about risk-reduction methods and show support for those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21 each year and is part of World Alzheimer’s Month. “…, said Jessica Plair, DPH’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Program Coordinator, . “Our families, friends and neighbors are living with Alzheimer’s every day. Part of caring for them is removing stigmas and finding the best ways to promote healthy aging.” In 2024, the Alzheimer’s Association reported that the number of people in South Carolina aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s Disease is 112,500. There were 219,000 care partners and the value of unpaid caregiving is…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 30, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Cedar Lane Road and Tyezack Drive in Westminster, 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 by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The skunk was submitted to DPH's…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . "If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator , or wildlife rehabilitator ." An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal. If your pet…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 22, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Sunshine Way and Diedra Drive in Easley, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Three dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The skunk was submitted to DPH's laboratory…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . "If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator , or wildlife rehabilitator ." An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal. If your pet…