- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 25, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Today is Public Health Thank You Day, and leadership with the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) wishes to recognize the invaluable work provided by public health workers across the state, including all DPH employees, who help improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians. Public Health Thank You Day is celebrated the Monday before…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “It is an honor to be part of this incredible team of people, and I am proud to recognize their work and thank them for their service to our communities on Public Health Thank You Day.” DPH leadership also thanks the agency’s countless public health partners who provide services to residents across the state. “The dedication of our state’s public health workforce helps keep communities…, Simmer said, . “Today is an excellent opportunity to say thank you to all of the dedicated public health workers and volunteers who join us every day in our mission to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of everyone in South Carolina.” Learn more about DPH and its ongoing mission to support healthy people in healthy communities at dph.sc.gov/about . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 25, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk, , found near Sherer and Jack Wilson roads in Sharon, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Two dogs and two cats 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 Nov. 21, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies Nov. 22, 2024. If you believe 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…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 4, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 2-6), the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) urges residents who have not gotten their annual flu shot to do so as soon as possible in advance of upcoming seasonal and holiday gatherings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DPH recommend everyone 6 months and older get a…, said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist, . “We encourage all South Carolinians to receive their vaccination to protect not only themselves, but their community by preventing illnesses that spread to others.” Not sure if the flu shot is right for you? We recommend talking with your health care provider. Additional information about flu and the flu vaccine is also available at DPH’s flu webpage and the CDC’s website . DPH’s Flu Watch…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 2, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near Malone Drive and Shady Grove Church Road in Clinton, S.C.,, , has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Two dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The raccoon was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing on Dec. 30, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies on Dec. 31, 2024. If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this…, 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:, Jan. 9, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― January 9 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and the South Carolina Department Public Health (DPH) would like to thank the agency’s law enforcement agents – and all members of law enforcement – during this important day of recognition. Inspectors within DPH’s Bureau of Drug Control , known as drug control agents, are pharmacists who have undergone…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, Interim DPH Director, . “While the observance of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day provides us with an opportunity to thank them for their service, we appreciate their commitment to our state every day.” DPH’s drug control agents conduct more than 1,800 onsite inspections at pharmacies, hospitals and practitioners’ offices that prescribe, administer, possess or dispense controlled substances annually. Agents…, Simmer said, . Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of DPH’s law enforcement officers on the agency’s Drug Control webpage . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jun. 24, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Burton and Stagecoach roads in Laurens, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Four dogs and two cats were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The skunk was submitted to DPH's…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . 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. This skunk is the second animal in Laurens County to test positive for rabies in 2025. There have been 39 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jun. 25, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a fox found near Sunny Brook and Harper Hall roads in Iva, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was potentially exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The fox was…, 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 is…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Aug. 6, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Fairview Road and Grandwood Boulevard in Fountain Inn, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. The skunk was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing on Aug. 1, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies on Aug…, 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:, Aug. 19, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a fox found near Gaston Street between Jeffcoat Court and Carolyn Lane in Gaston, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. Three cats were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.…, 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. This fox is the second animal in Lexington County to test positive for rabies in 2024. There have been 50 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 21, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) today wishes to announce the hiring of William Britt as General Counsel for the agency. Britt has served as the agency’s interim General Counsel since July 1 and previously worked for the state's predecessor public health agency, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental…, Britt said, . “I am lucky to have an incredibly talented team around me of dedicated professionals and experts, and together we will work hard to improve the lives of South Carolinians.” Prior to joining DHEC, Britt spent fifteen years in private practice, including as a partner in the Columbia law firm Bruner Powell Wall and Mullins, LLC. Britt practiced in the areas of complex business, construction and…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, . “Will has been with DHEC and now DPH for a decade now and seen it through a great number of challenges with character and integrity. “I’m delighted he has agreed to continue to serve the agency and people of South Carolina in this new role.” A native of South Carolina, Britt attended Wofford College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. He then attended graduate school at…