- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Mar. 6, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is proud to celebrate women leaders in science and support opportunities for women and girls to participate in science and technology education and careers. Despite recent gains, a significant gender gap persists at all levels of science, technology, engineering and…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, Interim DPH Director, . “Our work at DPH could not be done without the countless women who utilize their passion and expertise across various scientific fields to help in our mission to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of everyone in South Carolina.” One of the many places where women play a critical role at DPH is the Public Health Laboratory (PHL), which provides specialized laboratory testing…, Meredith said, . “Women are well represented in the Public Health Laboratory, making up more than 70% of our workforce. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of these women scientists contribute to technological advancement and protection of the health of South Carolinians every day." Dr. Ona Adair, Assistant Director of the DPH Public Health Laboratory, has a doctorate degree in Medicinal Chemistry and…, Adair said, . “The technical and support staff, both women and men, work together as a competent and dedicated team of DPH public servants working to protect, promote and improve the health and well-being of South Carolina residents." DPH currently has several science-based job openings available for qualified individuals, including: chemists epidemiologists laboratory technologists registered nurses…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jul. 17, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a cat and a fox have tested positive for rabies in separate incidents. In Greenville County, the cat that tested positive for rabies was found near Holland Ford and Beech Springs roads in Pelzer, S.C. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. In Marion County, the…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “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. 28, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a cat and a raccoon have tested positive for rabies in separate incidents. In Anderson County, the raccoon that tested positive for rabies was found near Poore Drive and Rocky Ford Road in Honea Path, S.C. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Two dogs were exposed and will be…, 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:, March 4, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near Ridge Road and Park Drive in Fort Mill, 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 raccoon was submitted to DPH's…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . "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:, Nov. 12, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. —The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a cat and a skunk have tested positive for rabies. In Richland County, a cat found near E. Davidson and Davidson roads in Columbia, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Six people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. In Anderson County, a skunk found near Evergreen…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “Contact your local Public Health office for further guidance.” Stray and feral cats serve as a significant source for rabies exposure. If pets in the area have received any unexplained injuries or have been seen interacting with feral cats in recent weeks, please contact your veterinarian’s office. It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 7, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Main and Spruce streets in Duncan, 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 bat was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing Oct…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten since bat teeth are tiny and bites are easy to overlook.” Because of this, you should always assume a person or pet has potentially been bitten when: They wake up to find a bat in a room or tent; A bat is found where children, pets, or persons with impaired mental capacity (intoxicated or mentally disabled) have been left unattended;…, McCollister said, . You cannot tell if a bat, or any other animal, has rabies by simply looking at it. Rabies must be confirmed in a laboratory. Unusual behavior in bats that might indicate the animal has rabies includes daytime activity, inability to fly, and being found in places they are not usually seen, like in your home or on your lawn. An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 8, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — October marks both, Safe Sleep Awareness Month, and, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, . The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), in collaboration with South Carolina Department of Children's Advocacy and the South Carolina Program for Infant/Toddler Care (SCPITC), reminds parents to follow safe sleep recommendations every time their infant sleeps. Gov. Henry McMaster has also proclaimed October as “Safe Sleep Awareness Month” in South Carolina and encourages all South…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . "Consistently following safe sleep recommendations, including during naps during the day, can help prevent a tragedy and give your child a better chance at living a long, happy and healthy life." According to the most recent South Carolina Infant Mortality Report , accidents were the third-leading cause of death among infants, most of which were related to unsafe sleep. Accidents had the…, said Jessica Sharp, SCPITC Director, . “Using safe sleep practices every time a baby goes to sleep will save lives.” The risk of SIDS can be reduced by having a smoke-free home, getting prenatal care as soon as possible, breastfeeding and following safe sleep rules every time the baby sleeps. All caregivers are encouraged to learn safe sleep practices like the ABCs of Safe Sleep : Let your baby sleep Alone on their Back in their…, said Margaret Bodman, state child advocate and director of the Department of Children’s Advocacy, . “Even one death is too many, but in 2022, 29 infants died from accidental suffocation and strangulation caused by unsafe sleep practices. Remembering the ABCs of Safe Sleep can make all the difference to your child and your family.” DPH’S Bureau of Maternal and Child Health offers resources to parents interested in learning more about safe sleep practices, including a video and brochure . To…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 9, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina and multi-sector partners from across the state, is proud to announce the publication of the, 2025–2030 South Carolina State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), . Developed through the Live Healthy South Carolina collaborative, the SHIP reflects the collective efforts of state agencies, public health entities, healthcare providers, community-based organizations and other cross-sector stakeholders working to improve health outcomes across the state. Live Healthy South Carolina brings together organizations and leaders to assess population health, identify…, said Dr. Karla Buru, DPH deputy director of Health Strategy and External Affairs & chief of staff, . “The plan not only outlines objectives we hope to achieve as a state but also provides our communities with strategies and steps to reach those goals. We are hopeful that the plan will be a critical tool in our mission to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of everyone in South Carolina.” The plan emphasizes innovative, evidence-informed strategies and a results-based…, said Monty Robertson, Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina executive director, . “By joining forces across every sector and community, we can turn shared vision into real, measurable improvements for our state." Partners across public health, state and local agencies, private organizations, health care entities, and community groups are encouraged to use the SHIP as a guide to align efforts, share expertise, and implement strategies that improve health outcomes across South…, said Sara Goldsby, director of the Office of Substance Use Services within the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, . “This plan represents the kind of leadership that centers on collaboration. From the development of priorities to work on strategies, the SHIP is about a shared commitment – across sectors – to supporting the health of South Carolinians.” The full plan is available online at dph.sc.gov/SHIP . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 5, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a calf and a skunk have tested positive for rabies. In Abbeville County, a calf found near Gin House and Crooked roads in Abbeville, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Four people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. Ten cows were exposed and will be quarantined as…, said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program manager, . In 2025, the Abbeville County calf is the third animal in Abbeville County to test positive for rabies in that county, and the Greenville County skunk is the eighth animal to test positive for rabies in that county. There have been 87 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 144 positive cases a year. In 2024, none of the 81 confirmed…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, July 3, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Crooked Stick Court and Buremda Run in Summerville, 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 bat was submitted to DPH's…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director, . “People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten since bat teeth are tiny and bites are easy to overlook.” You should always assume a person or pet has potentially been bitten when: They wake up to find a bat in a room or tent; A bat is found where children, pets, or persons with impaired mental capacity (intoxicated or mentally disabled) have been left unattended; or They have been…, McCollister said, . You cannot tell if a bat, or any other animal, has rabies by simply looking at it. Rabies must be confirmed in a laboratory. Unusual behavior in bats that might indicate the animal has rabies includes daytime activity, inability to fly, and being found in places they are not usually seen, like in your home or on your lawn. An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin…