- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jun. 9, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is observing National Men’s Health Week (June 9-15). The agency is encouraging men to take action to prevent health problems, including getting early health screenings that detect preventable diseases. Concluding on Father’s Day each year, Men’s Health Week is part of International Men’s Health Month. “As we…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “I urge all men in our state to take on new healthy habits this month, such as eating right and exercising. Be a champion for men’s health by encouraging those in your lives to do the same, whether they’re your family, friends, coworkers or members of your community.” According to data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) : 14.7% of men in the U.S. are in fair…, Simmer said, . “Immediate attention and early diagnosis are key in treating many illnesses. That’s why it’s critical that you report health issues you’re experiencing, whether they be mental or physical.” Visit the Men’s Health Network website for more health tips and to learn more about Men’s Health Week. ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jun. 19, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In observance of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) joins partners in celebrating the 2025 theme of “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy.” Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen, in red blood…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “DPH works in tandem with partners across the state to ensure South Carolinians with sickle cell disease have what they need to help them avoid serious problems and health complications from the disease.” DPH’s Sickle Cell Program provides care coordination and payment assistance for eligible people diagnosed with SCD to receive medical services, supplies, equipment and/or medications as…, said Malerie Hartsell, DPH Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Section Director, . "The South Carolina Sickle Cell Registry not only can help us understand the landscape of the disease in South Carolina, but it gives sickle cell warriors a platform for their voices to be heard as it pertains to their health." The tools in the registry may be used to reduce wait times when presenting at the emergency room. Reducing emergency room wait times ultimately reduces the time for…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, August 2, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Long Shadow Lane and New Ryder Road in North Charleston, 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.” 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; or…, 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:, Aug. 15, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that a bat, a racoon and a skunk – all from different counties – have tested positive for rabies. A bat found near Huntington and Cecillia drives in Charleston, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Four people were exposed and referred to their health care providers. One cat was exposed and will…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director., Raccoons are the most common animal to test positive for rabies in South Carolina and play a significant role in the transmission of rabies in the state. There is no established time frame for monitoring wildlife to rule out the possibility of rabies. DPH does not recommend keeping wild animals as pets due to the risks of rabies exposures. To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 8, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Locust Hill and S. Bates roads in Taylors, 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 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;…, 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…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 9, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — Every year, about 1 in 33 babies born in the United States has a birth defect, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . However, many serious birth defects can be prevented, which is why the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), along with the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN), is taking part in Folic Acid Awareness…, said DPH Birth Defects Program Manager Heather Blackwell, . “These structures in the nervous system develop early in a pregnancy, so it is important that women who can get pregnant get an adequate amount of folic acid each day to prevent defects from occurring.” Neural tube defects (NTDs), some of the most-serious birth defects, include conditions such as spina bifida, anencephaly and encephalocele. They can happen very early in pregnancy, often before…, Blackwell said, . “However, there is still a lot of work to do to reduce serious birth defects, which is why Folic Acid Awareness Week and other efforts to get the word out are so important.” DPH’s Birth Defects Program and Greenwood Genetics Center (GGC) provide valuable resources for families with a history of birth defects or those newly diagnosed. For more information visit DPH’s Preventing Birth Defects…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 18, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a kitten, fox, and raccoon have tested positive for rabies in separate incidents. In Greenville County, a feral kitten that tested positive for rabies was found near Veryfine Drive and Ariel Court in Fountain Inn, S.C. Three people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “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. Stray and…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 22, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk and two raccoons have tested positive for rabies in separate incidents. In Anderson County, the skunk that tested positive for rabies was found near Joyce Road and Ross Road in Liberty, S.C. Two cows were exposed and the investigation is ongoing. In Charleston County, the raccoon that…, said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program manager, . In 2025, the Charleston County raccoon is the seventh animal to test positive in that county, the skunk is the eighth animal to test positive for rabies in Anderson County, and the Spartanburg County raccoon is the third animal to test positive for rabies in that county. There have been 73 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 144…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 16, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― With the new year underway, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is highlighting the availability of free overdose (OD) prevention safety kits at all DPH public health clinics . Drug overdose is the leading cause of unintentional death in the United States. South Carolina has seen a significant increase in opioid-involved overdose deaths over the…, said Emma Kennedy, DPH Injury and Opioid Prevention Section director, . “An overdose can happen to anyone. If you or someone you know uses opioids, having an OD safety kit on hand could save a life.” Each OD safety kit contains: , Naloxone nasal spray, , an easy-to-use medicine that can reverse the effects of opioids. Naloxone only works on opioids and is harmless if opioids are not present., Fentanyl and xylazine test strips, , which can tell you if fentanyl or xylazine are mixed into different kinds of drugs. Xylazine is a powerful sedative that is often mixed with opioids and can cause harmful wounds to the body and increase the risk of fatal overdose. , Easy-to-read instructions , Information on how to spot an opioid overdose, An opioid overdose can occur when someone takes a higher dose of opioids than their body can handle. The signs of an overdose include: unconsciousness snoring/gurgling sound difficulty breathing discolored skin (bluish, gray in fingertips and lips) small pinpoint pupils To learn how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to administer naloxone nasal spray with an instructional video…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 24, 2025, COLUMBIA, S.C., — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that the state has suffered its first pediatric flu-related death of the season. “We regret having to report the death of a child in the Midlands Region from complications due to the flu. We extend our condolences to the family,”, said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist and DPH’s director of the Health Programs Branch, . “We’ve seen widespread flu activity across the state over the past several weeks, with an increase in flu cases and hospitalizations. It’s critical that everyone in South Carolina get their flu shots as well as updated vaccines for other respiratory illnesses, including COVID and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.” DPH recommends that you talk with your and your child’s provider about which…