- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 27, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In observance of World Rabies Day on Sept. 28, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians of the steps they can take to protect people and pets against one of the world’s most fatal diseases. World Rabies Day aims to raise awareness about rabies prevention and honor Louis Pasteur, the developer of the rabies vaccine. This year,…, worldwide, , primarily from dog exposures, meaning rabies accounts for one human death every seven minutes. More than 50% of these deaths occur in children under the age of 15. The last human death in South Carolina was in 2011 from exposure to a bat. While any mammal can transmit rabies through bites, scratches and saliva exposures to open wounds or mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth, the animals…, said Terri McCollister, DPH's Rabies Program director., “It is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family and pets from this fatal but preventable disease.” Pet owners can contact their local veterinarian’s office or visit one of several low-cost rabies vaccine clinics currently available around the state. The South Carolina Rabies Control Act requires all pet owners to keep their dogs, cats and ferrets up to…, said McCollister., “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 .” To learn more about rabies prevention, visit rabiesalliance.org , dph.sc.gov/rabies , or cdc.gov/rabies. ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 12, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. —, , The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a kitten found near Pumpkintown Hwy and Holder Street in Pickens, S.C.,, , has tested positive for rabies., , The kitten was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing on Nov. 4, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies on Nov. 5, 2024. Three people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the…, Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director notes, “Stray and feral cats serve as a significant source for rabies exposure to people and pets. In general, it is not a good idea to feed pets outside, especially if you leave food unsupervised. This practice can have negative consequences for people and pets because food attracts wildlife, resulting in conflicts to include disease and parasite transmission, predation, and safety concerns from…, said McCollister, . “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.” If you believe that you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this kitten, this skunk or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH's Upstate Greenville-Spartanburg…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 1, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In observance of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) will offer free testing at most local health departments on Tuesday, Dec. 3. South Carolinians can be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and hepatitis C at no cost. Information about the no-cost testing on Dec. 3,…, said Ali Mansaray, director of DPH's STD, HIV and Viral Hepatitis Section, . “The CDC estimates that 16 percent of the more than 20,000 South Carolinians living with HIV do not know their status. “Undiagnosed people risk transmitting HIV, so we must work together to find and link these fellow South Carolinians to health care for their sake and the sake of our communities.” As of December 2022, there were 20,016 residents of South Carolina living with a diagnosis of…, Mansaray said, . “Unfortunately, what still eludes us is how to eliminate stigma rooted in our attitudes, beliefs and behaviors regarding the virus and those affected by it.” Another vital component to ending the HIV epidemic is ensuring all people living with HIV are continuously receiving medical care and treatment. DPH estimates there are approximately 4,300 presumptively not-in-care clients in South…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, May 12, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — During National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18), the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds women about the importance of routine and preventive care for their mental and physical health. This weeklong recognition, which kicked off on Mother’s Day, also serves as an important time to encourage women and girls to take steps to improve their overall…, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DPH’s deputy director of Health Promotion and Services & Chief Medical Officer, . “DPH encourages all women and girls in South Carolina to make sure they are making their physical and mental health a priority, through healthy diet, exercise, making regular visits with their health care provider, and performing routine health maintenance such as undergoing recommended cancer screenings. Women need to also focus on their heart health from an early age, to lower their risk of…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, May 15, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed May 19 through May 23, 2025, as South Carolina Heat Safety Week. As temperatures begin to rise across that state, officials are urging residents to prioritize heat safety ahead of the summer season. This statewide initiative is a joint effort between the S.C. State Climatology Office, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources,…, said John Quagliariello, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service Columbia Office, . “It’s crucial that we take heat safety seriously—especially vulnerable populations such as older adults, children, outdoor workers, and those with underlying health conditions.” Heat Safety Week will include daily themes to educate the public on the dangers of excessive heat and the steps they can take to stay safe: May 19: Heat-related illness awareness May 20: Check on your family, neighbors…, Assistant State Climatologist Melissa Griffin said, , “Heat waves generally occur during the summer months, when weather patterns are slow to shift, but can occur late in the spring and into the middle of fall.” She also stated that heat has been the leading cause of weather-related fatalities nationwide since 1991. She encouraged South Carolina residents and visitors to pay close attention to local weather forecasts from the National Weather…, said Kevin Poore, Director of Safe Kids South Carolina and DPH's Child Passenger Safety Coordinator, . “It's important to create habits which include checking for children and pets upon exiting your vehicle, as well as preventing unauthorized access to cars by keeping your doors locked. Finally, always be willing to take action and immediately call 911 when you see a child left alone in a car." DPH has developed an interactive Heat Related Illness Dashboard , which includes interactive data…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, May 20, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is proud to spotlight the state’s emergency medical services (EMS) professionals during National EMS Week. Every day, EMS professionals help save lives and safeguard the health, safety and well-being of their communities. Across the state, 304 EMS agencies and more than 14,000 emergency personnel – including first…, said Jon Jones, DPH EMS & Trauma Section Director, . "The ability for EMS professionals to deliver prompt, life-saving care directly impacts the well-being of our communities." An EMS system involves a highly coordinated response for emergency medical care that relies on teamwork and communication between multiple people and agencies. Wednesday is dedicated as EMS for Children (EMSC) Day, providing an opportunity to thank EMS clinicians for their…, said Sable Land, EMS for Children Program Coordinator, . "We encourage EMS agencies to be Peds Ready to ensure that SC children receive safe and effective prehospital care. Being Peds Ready gives an agency and its providers the extra support they need to adequately address the unique medical care that children need." EMS agencies can receive the “Peds Ready Recognition” by demonstrating a commitment to excellence in pediatric emergency care and…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jun. 3, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians of several tips to help prevent mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding areas while enjoying time outside this summer. There are at least 61 different species of mosquitoes in South Carolina, but fortunately not all of them bite people. Often, mosquitoes are simply a nuisance, but…, said Dr. Chris Evans, DPH State Public Health Entomologist, . Although DPH doesn’t perform mosquito control, the agency does provide information that helps individuals, communities and local mosquito control programs take actions to reduce mosquito populations. Mosquito control programs are managed at the local level. Mosquitoes can develop in water that stands for more than 5 days. DPH recommends following the “ 7 Ts ” to keep your home and yard…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Aug. 20, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Following a period of heavy rain and flooding around the state due to Tropical Storm Debby, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians to remove standing water to help control mosquito populations in their communities. The number of mosquitoes tends to grow after storms due to an increase in standing water. Mosquitoes can…, said Dr. Chris Evans, State Public Health Entomologist with DPH., “Using dirt or cement to fill in low places such as tire ruts or puddles is important to prevent those areas from accumulating storm water. Removing or preventing standing water are some of the most effective ways to reduce mosquito populations at home and in your community, which in turn reduces the risk for disease spread through their bites.” DPH offers educational materials and tips for…, Dr. Evans said, . In addition to draining standing water, the American Mosquito Control Association recommends wearing, long sleeves, long pants and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing when outdoors and properly applying an EPA-registered product that contains a repellent such as catnip oil, oil of citronella, DEET, IR 3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), 2-undecanone or wear permethrin-treated clothing . With all repellents, be sure to follow product label instructions. DPH…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Sept. 5, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In celebration of National Food Bank Day Friday, Sept. 5, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) thanks our dedicated partners who operate food banks and pantries across the state. They give fresh, healthy food and support to South Carolinians in need. One in 7 South Carolinians – including 1 in 6 children – are food insecure, meaning they cannot…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “DPH would like to thank the hundreds of food banks and pantries that operate across the state and every resident who donates to their efforts, whether that be a donation of food, money or time. Food banks do more than feed the hungry; they nourish hope and dignity, and strengthen our communities.” This summer, DPH’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program donated 374 pounds of food…, said Berry Kelly, DPH Community Nutrition Services Bureau director and state WIC director, . “Food banks bring hope and nourishment to thousands across South Carolina, and WIC is proud to support their effort to make healthy food easy to access." According to Harvest Hope Food Bank, the food donated by WIC will provide 449 meals for families in South Carolina, contributing to DPH’s vision of healthy people living in health communities. Clemson University College of Behavioral, Social…, said Leslie Hossfeld, dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, . “I am proud of how our partnership with the South Carolina Department of Public Health and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services continues to build a network of food bank partners and offer necessary support for South Carolinians.” Anyone can be a food donor. Farmers, manufacturers, grocery stores, businesses and individuals can donate nonperishable items to food banks at any…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Oct. 1, 2025, Open, judgment-free conversations can reduce stigma and connect South Carolinians to life-saving resources., Columbia, S.C. – This October, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) joins the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) in recognizing National Substance Use Prevention Month by encouraging families, schools and communities to engage in open, stigma-free conversations about substance use.…, said Sara Goldsby, Office Director of OSUS, . “The more we normalize honest conversations about substance use, the safer our communities become.” Research shows that early, honest conversations are one of the most effective ways to prevent substance use among young people. Silence can leave individuals isolated, while open dialogue builds understanding and connection. By normalizing these conversations with youth, South Carolinians can…, said Michelle Nienhius, Manager of Prevention and Intervention Services for OSUS, . “Decades of research and community-based experience show that prevention is effective. In fact, over 75% of youth ages 12 to 17 don’t use substances, and 79% have never had a drink of alcohol, 81% have never used tobacco or vaped nicotine, and 76% have never used illicit drugs, including marijuana.” DPH joins OSUS in encouraging residents to focus on early prevention by having healthy…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH Director, . "During National Substance Use Prevention Month, we urge parents and other adult role models to engage in these conversations with children and youth to help prevent substance use before it starts. Working together, we can encourage the next generation to make good decisions by allowing them to be informed and confident in their choice to not engage in substance use." Through Open Conversation…