- 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 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…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, March 23, 2026, S.C. receives highest ranking in report history, COLUMBIA, S.C. — The United Health Foundation recently released its America’s Health Rankings 2025 Annual Report , showing an improvement in South Carolina’s overall health ranking. South Carolina now ranks at 36, its highest statewide health ranking since the report was founded in 1990. The annual report analyzes 99 measures of health and well-being drawn from 31 distinct data sources to provide…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “Even as we celebrate these improvements, we recognize that our work does not stop here. At DPH, we remain committed to our efforts to work with our partners across the state to improve the health and quality of life for all South Carolinians.” Challenges cited for South Carolina’s summary include a high premature death rate and a high prevalence of multiple chronic conditions, factors DPH and…, said Dr. Karla Buru, Deputy Director of Health Strategy and External Affairs & Chief of Staff, . “The plan provides us with a blueprint for meaningful, measurable progress, the result of which will make residents of our state safer and healthier.” To learn more about the State Health Improvement Plan, visit dph.sc.gov/SHIP . To learn more about America’s Health Rankings 2025 report, visit the United Health Foundation website . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 21, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near Bishopville Highway and Lee Road in Camden, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. Two horses were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The raccoon was submitted to DPH's…, said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program manager, . This raccoon is the first animal in Kershaw County to test positive for rabies in 2026. There have been 25 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 138 positive cases a year. In 2025, five of the 101 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Kershaw County. Contact information for local Public Health offices is available at dph.sc.…