- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Feb. 6, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – February is American Heart Month, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding residents that it is important to maintain good habits that build a strong, healthy heart. American Heart Month is a national campaign that spotlights cardiovascular (heart) health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States,…, said Kristian Myers, Diabetes and Heart Disease Management section director, . “Although, there is more to uncover about the impact of menopause on a woman’s health, we do know this unique life stage puts us at an increased risk for developing heart disease.” Disparities also exist in other aspects of heart health outcomes, with African Americans facing a higher risk of developing ischemic heart disease— decreased blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle— when compared…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 13, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — This Valentine’s Day, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages South Carolinians to show love for their heart and lungs by quitting smoking and vaping. “Quitting smoking and/or vaping is the single best thing you can do to prevent heart and lung disease,”, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH director, . “Finding quit support options that give you motivation and meaningful support can make the difference between staying addicted to nicotine and living a healthy, tobacco-free life. It also reduces potential exposure to our loved ones and allows us to spend more quality time with those we care about.” Using commercial tobacco products that contain nicotine such as cigarettes, cigars and e-…, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DPH Chief Medical Officer, . “Quitting tobacco use today, means more years to come with your loved ones. Just two weeks after quitting, the function of your heart, lungs, and circulation improve. Within 1-2 years of quitting, your risk of a heart attack significantly decreases.” The SC Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) provides free, 24/7 quit support to residents of South Carolina, regardless of health insurance coverage…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jul. 16, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― Yesterday (Tuesday, July 15), the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) took immediate action to issue an emergency license suspension of J C Laraes Southwinds Assisted Living Community, a Community Residential Care Facility (assisted living) in Ridgeway, South Carolina. DPH determined this action was necessary to protect the health and well-being of the…, said Gwen Thompson, DPH’s Director of Healthcare Quality, . “Our ultimate goal is for all of our state’s long-term care facilities to operate in accordance with these laws and regulations, which exist to establish safe standards for protecting the health of the residents they care for, as well as their staff. If a facility creates a dangerous living condition, we will take immediate and decisive actions to protect residents, who are always our top…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jul. 28, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – On July 28, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) joins people and organizations across the globe to observe World Hepatitis Day. The annual observance is a global call to action, and this year’s message is simple but urgent: Hepatitis C is now easier to treat, easier to cure and it starts with a simple test. Many people still associate hepatitis C…, said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist, . “As compared to previously available treatments, with the newer direct-acting antiviral medications, about 95% of people with hepatitis C infection can be cured within about three months with a daily pill that causes few side effects. This is exciting progress and why everyone should know their hepatitis C status." In 2024, approximately 1,900 cases of chronic hepatitis C were newly diagnosed…, Know Your Status. Get Tested., Hepatitis C is often called a “silent” infection because people can live for years without symptoms while liver damage occurs. Anyone can be at risk, but especially those born between 1945 and 1965, people who have injected drugs (even once), and those with certain health care or blood exposure histories. Testing is quick and easy with a simple blood test. Many community health centers, clinics…, Prevent the Spread, Hepatitis C is spread when blood from an infected person — even microscopic amounts — enters the body. You can prevent transmission by: Avoiding sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes Practicing safe injection and tattooing procedures (DPH’s Find-A-Facility application includes licensed tattoo facilities) Using barrier protection during sex, especially if you or your partner have multiple…, Take Action This World Hepatitis Day, If you’ve ever been at risk, or are unsure of your hepatitis C status, get tested. If you have the infection, get treated and get cured. Preventing the complications of hepatitis C is possible and the first step starts with awareness. To schedule a hepatitis C test at a DPH public health clinic near you, call 1-855-472-3432 . For more information about treatment options, visit DPH’s Hepatitis…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Aug. 14, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Camden Highway and Drayton Drive in Dalzell, 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 Aug. 12, 2025, and was confirmed to have rabies Aug. 13, 2025. If you…, 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; or…, 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:, Aug. 21, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – As a new school year begins, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is sharing information about the serious risks of youth e-cigarette use/vaping. Flavored e-cigarettes/vapes containing dangerously high levels of nicotine can negatively impact individual’s moods, their physical and mental health and their ability to learn. “Youth are more vulnerable…, said Virginie Daguise, director of DPH’s Bureau of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, . “Research shows that young people who vape nicotine report mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and increased feelings of anxiety and depression.” Nicotine is the highly addictive chemical in both regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes/vapes. Nicotine raises blood pressure and causes adrenaline spikes that increase heart rate and the risk of heart attack. A recent study from the American Heart…, Daguise said, . “Fun-sounding flavors entice young people who currently don’t smoke to try vaping, and high nicotine content quickly establishes addiction.” E-cigarettes/vapes contain nicotine salts and flavor additives that mask harshness and make it easier to inhale nicotine and heavy metals deep into the lungs. Heavy metal accumulation in the body can lead to lung damage, neurological damage, cancer and…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . Being informed about nicotine addiction and e-cigarettes/vapes is important. Parents, caregivers and educators can find resources to help them talk to teens about vaping as well as free quit support options on DPH’s Vaping webpage . Tobacco prevention and education resources for the classroom can be found at DPH’s Tobacco-Free Schools webpage . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 2, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon and a kitten have tested positive for rabies in separate incidents. In Greenwood County, a raccoon found near Bermuda and St. Augustine drives in Greenwood, 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…, 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:, Dec. 1, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – This year marks the 45th year of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) and community partners are teaming up during World AIDS Day to honor this milestone and advance efforts to end HIV as a public health threat. World AIDS Day is observed each year on Dec. 1. It serves as a time for people around the globe to unite in the…, said Ali Mansaray, Director of DPH’s STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis Section, . “What continues to challenge us is eliminating the persistent disparities rooted in stigma, inequities, and misconceptions surrounding the virus and those affected by it. As we honor those we have lost, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting South Carolinians living with HIV, preventing new infections and advancing equitable access to care and prevention services statewide.” On Monday, Dec. 1…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 16, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that two skunks from separate counties have tested positive for rabies. In Greenville County, a skunk found near Plum Orchard Ct. and Farmbrook Way in Simpsonville, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. One dog was injured by…, 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:, Jan. 2, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bat found near Stockport Circle and Kirkwall Drive in Summerville, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. 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 on Dec. 30, 2025, and was confirmed to…, 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…