- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, July 17, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Ashland Oaks Drive and Anderson Road South in Catawba, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. The bat was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing on July 15, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies on July…, 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 people who are impaired by alcohol or drug use or a person with an intellectual disability have been left unattended;…, said McCollister, . 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:, July 29, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH)’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) recently reached its highest participation milestone for the first time in seven years, assisting more than 100,000 participants during the month of May. DPH’s WIC team served 100,540 participants between the dates of May 1 and 31. This…, said Berry Kelly, DPH WIC Director, . “The staff work hard and do an outstanding job providing WIC services to so many moms, babies, and young children across the state.” The team's success is due in large part to its aptitude in maximizing technology to improve service delivery. Among the projects they have championed are: , New online application for WIC., The team launched an online application enabling families to create a secure account to upload and update required documentation, including medical and health information and proof of income eligibility, prior to scheduling their WIC appointment. The portal streamlines the application, enrollment and recertification processes for both families and WIC staff and keeps important information easily…, WIC mobile app., WIC participants can now access their benefits with the WIC mobile app. Using the app, participants can scan Unit Price Codes while shopping to see if the item is WIC-approved, review their remaining benefits, find locations to shop, locate WIC clinics, view details of upcoming appointments and access additional WIC resources., E-Solution for the Farmer's Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)., In 2023, the FMNP transitioned from paper vouchers to a mobile app and shopper card. These mobile-friendly solutions make it easier for eligible WIC participants to buy fresh, South Carolina grown fruits, vegetables and herbs to provide healthy food options for their families. The electronic transaction streamlines purchasing for WIC participants and is mutually beneficial for South Carolina…, Kelly said, . “WIC participants are super tech-savvy; therefore, we as a program must think out-of-the-box about how WIC services are delivered. WIC has been progressively embedding technology into all aspects of the program. From EBT/e-WIC to online education, interactive texting, use of apps and participant portals, the program is moving into the digital world.” WIC team leaders Betty Washington, Jessica…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Mar. 12, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging pet owners to visit free or low-cost rabies vaccination clinics being offered by several veterinary partners in March and April. Each spring, DPH encourages pet owners to take their pets to a veterinarian for routine care and vaccinations. The agency partners with various veterinarians to help make…, said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Prevention manager, . “It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, pets and livestock from this fatal disease. Public health and safety are our primary focus, which is why we’re teaming up with veterinary partners to increase rabies awareness in our communities.” Any mammal can transmit rabies to people or pets. In South Carolina, in 2024, there were 81 positive cases of…, McCollister said, . “Participating veterinarians who choose to host these widely promoted low-cost clinics offer an invaluable and lifesaving service.” South Carolina law requires all pet dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated at a frequency to provide continuous protection from rabies. Livestock aren’t required by state law to be vaccinated, but because they’re susceptible to…, McCollister said, . “We encourage others to hold similar events and contact their local DPH rabies program with the details so we can help promote the clinics.” To find a free or low-cost rabies clinic near you, visit dph.sc.gov/rabiesclinics . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Mar. 20, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Ranger Drive and Mikey Road in Cross, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Three people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. The bat was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing on March 17, 2025, and was confirmed to have rabies on March 18, 2025.…, 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:, Mar. 24, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) joins partners across the country and globe in raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB) prevention and treatment methods in observance of World TB Day. Recognized annually on March 24, World TB Day marks the day in 1882 when it was discovered that tuberculosis is a bacterial disease found primarily in the lungs. …, said Amy R. Painter, DPH Tuberculosis Section Director, . “While South Carolina has a low-incidence rate compared to other areas in the United States, we cannot let our guard down. Our team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and case managers remain committed to quality treatment of our patients and full evaluations of all close contacts to prevent future cases of TB in South Carolina.” Prior to the discovery of the first antibiotic to treat TB in…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 7, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Chance Court and Ratley Drive in Marion, 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…, 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 include 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:, Apr. 9, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The second full week of April is celebrated annually as National Dog Bite Prevention Week. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) would like to use this week to remind pet owners that any dog – even close family pets – can bite a person and cause injury. Dogs are great companions and play many important roles in people’s lives. They can be trained for…, most dog bites are preventable, , and yet, more than 4.5 million people, are bitten each year., Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured, . DPH is sharing resources below to help prevent dog bites in children and adults. DPH’s Avoid the Bite, Do It Right flyer contains dog bite prevention tips for pet owners, parents and caregivers. AVMA’s website has resources to help educate both adults and children on how to interact with dogs. Watch the entertaining and educational videos, Jimmy’s Dog House, as Jimmy the dog gives some simple lessons to improve your and your child’s understanding of our beloved furry friends. In addition to serious injury, dog bites can also lead to potential rabies exposure, especially if the dog is not up to date on its rabies vaccinations. An exposure means having direct contact through broken skin or the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth with saliva or…, 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 a local…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 21, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Fruit and Vegetable Outlet Inventory (FVOI) , a key initiative aimed at improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables for communities throughout the state. The FVOI identifies and maps outlets where residents can purchase produce, making it easier for community members…, said Berry Kelly, Director of DPH’s Bureau of Community Nutrition Services, . “While nutritious food is a cornerstone of society’s physical health, a vibrant community also includes sustainable economic opportunities. We all must have a desire to help farmers reach new markets and to help businesses bring healthier options to local communities. The Fruit and Vegetable Outlet Inventory is a wonderful tool that does that.” The inventory process is carried out annually to…, said Michelle Yates, DPH Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Coordinator, . “Whether through farmers markets, roadside markets or mobile markets, this initiative continues to ensure that fresh, nutritious options are available to all South Carolinians.” Additional information and data are available in the 2025 South Carolina FVOI Overview . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 22, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to drop off unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs during the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26. In 2023, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 2,157 drug overdose deaths in South Carolina. Prescription drugs accounted for…, said Julia Horan, DPH’s Substance Use Prevention Unit Director, . “Once the prescription is unneeded, it’s important to dispose of them properly to keep your loved ones safe from prescription drug misuse.” National Prescription Drug Take Back Day drop off events run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26. To find a local take back site near you, visit the DEA's Collection Site Locator . Take-back locations will collect tablets, capsules, patches and other…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 28, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is raising awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on how to prevent it. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to honor survivors, amplify prevention efforts and work toward a safer South Carolina. Through programs like the Sexual Violence Services…, said Amanda Tucker, DPH Sexual Violence Services Program Coordinator, . “Sexual assault affects us all. Not only must we all be committed to raising awareness and supporting those directly impacted, but we must take action to make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place.” The Sexual Violence Services Program at DPH, in partnership with the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and South Carolina’s 15 rape crisis centers, is…