- 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.…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 27, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near Kemway and Burden Creek roads in Johns Island, 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…, 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:, Feb. 13, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that two raccoons from different counties have tested positive for rabies. A raccoon from Newberry County was found near Graham and Griffin roads in Pomaria, S.C. 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…, said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program manage, r. “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:, Apr. 3, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a cat found near Breazeale Street and Blair Mill Road in Belton, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Two people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. Sixteen cats and nine dogs were exposed. This is an ongoing investigation. The cat was submitted to DPH's laboratory…, 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., Unvaccinated cats that frequent the outdoors, or are considered stray or feral serve as a significant source for rabies exposure. If pets in the area have received any unexplained injuries, please contact your veterinarian’s office as your pet could have been exposed to rabies., It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, which is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This cat is the fourth animal in Anderson County to test positive for rabies in 2026. There have been 22 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 136 positive cases a year. In 2025, 11 of…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 24, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Today is Public Health Thank You Day, and leadership with the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) wishes to thank public health workers across the state, including DPH employees, for their tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians. Public Health Thank You Day is celebrated the Monday before Thanksgiving every year to…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “The accomplishments we’ve achieved over the past several months are a testament to what can happen when we work together. I am very thankful for our amazing team!” Highlights include: Bringing innovative data-driven projects to life, such as the launch of comprehensive data dashboards with South Carolina Health Compass , the 2024 Prescription Trends Report , and the new rabies monitoring…, Simmer said, . “We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who works to protect and advance public health in South Carolina.” Learn more about DPH and its ongoing mission to support healthy people living in healthy communities at dph.sc.gov/about . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 24, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that two skunks from separate counties have tested positive for rabies. In Pickens County, a skunk found near Browning and Barret Meadow roads in Central, 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…, said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program manager, . 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. In 2025, the Pickens County skunk is the fourth animal to test positive for rabies, and the Laurens County skunk is the sixth animal in that county to test positive for rabies in that county. There have been 94 cases of rabid animals…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 26, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon and a skunk have tested positive for rabies in separate incidents. In Chesterfield County, the raccoon that tested positive for rabies was found near Birdsong and Clyde Laney roads in Cheraw, S.C. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. One dog was…, 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 26, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that two skunks in separate incidents have tested positive for rabies. A skunk found near Moorefield Memorial Hwy and Belle Shoals Road in Pickens, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One horse was exposed and will be quarantined as required in…, said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program manager, . 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. These skunks are the first and second animals in Pickens County to test positive for rabies in 2026. There have been 20 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 138 positive cases a…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 16, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a brown and black German shepherd dog found near La Paz Street and Los Cabos Lane in Pendleton, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Four 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…, 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…