- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 23, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has opened its Triage Line for residents to call to determine their eligibility for Medical Equipment Power Shelters (MEPS) during an emergency in light of the winter storm expected to impact the state this weekend and cause extended power outages into the following week. The number is 1-833-351-9990 and will be…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 31, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Due to the winter storm that will impact South Carolina over the weekend and into next week, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has authorized a one-time early refill of Schedule III-V prescriptions for valid refills that are due through Feb. 4, 2026. View the waiver . Dispensers shall pull all original controlled substances prescriptions and…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim director of DPH, . Authority for this action is pursuant to S.C. Code Section 25-1-440 and Executive Order No. 2026-02, issued Jan. 21, 2026. In accordance with Section 25-1-440(a)(3), Governor McMaster has further ordered that a state agency, through its director, waive or suspend provisions of existing regulations prescribing procedures for conduct of state business if strict compliance with the provisions…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Feb. 11, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near 1st Ave. and Round Tree Lane in Starr, 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 skunk was submitted to DPH's laboratory for…, 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:, March 11, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near West Creek and Beulah roads in Leesville, 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 raccoon was submitted to DPH's laboratory…, 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:, March 12, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near Childress Drive and Bassett Trail in Townville, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The raccoon was…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manager, . “Contact your local Public Health office for further guidance.” It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This raccoon is the first animal in Oconee County to test positive for rabies in 2026. There have been 17 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, March 31, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a bobcat found near Augusta Hwy and Noble Lane in Smoaks, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. The bobcat was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing March 27, 2026, and was confirmed to have rabies March 30, 2026. If…, 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. If your pet…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 23, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Marlboro Avenue between McDonald Drive and Dicks Circle in Barnwell, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. At this time, no pets are known to have been exposed. The skunk was submitted to DPH's laboratory…, 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 COVID-19, flu (influenza), and RSV levels in sewage water. Respiratory Disease Dashboard Measles Wastewater Dashboard The Measles Wastewater Dashboard dashboard shows measles‑positive wastewater detections across South Carolina, providing weekly updates to support …
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 20, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The EMS for Children Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room B208, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce. The agenda and link to virtually view the meeting are available on the Trauma Advisory Council Meeting - Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 meeting event page . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Feb. 9, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near Thunder and Goose Platter roads in Batesburg-Leesville, 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 raccoon was submitted to DPH'…, 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. If your pet…