- 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…
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- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Nov. 25, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – As Thanksgiving approaches, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) recognizes that when it comes to health and nutrition, this holiday season may look different for many families across our state. DPH encourages residents to focus on nourishing their bodies, stretching their food dollars, and finding community support wherever possible. “Healthy eating…, Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, . “We want South Carolinians to know that there are local programs, meal sites, and other options that can help make healthy, affordable meals possible this Thanksgiving and beyond.”, Accessing Food and Support, If you’re unsure where your next meal is coming from, you’re not alone and help is available: Local Food Pantries and Community Fridges: Visit your local food pantry or community food distribution site to access fresh produce, canned goods, and staples (like rice, pasta, and potatoes). Many churches, libraries, and community centers host free food days leading up to Thanksgiving. Congregate…, Making a Healthy, Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving, You don’t need an expensive spread to celebrate Thanksgiving with meaning and flavor. Try these tips for nutritious and budget-friendly meals:, Shop Smart, : Build your meal around low-cost, nutrient-rich foods such as beans, lentils, brown rice, frozen vegetables, and seasonal produce like sweet potatoes or collard greens., Stretch Ingredients, : Turn one main dish into multiple meals. For example, roast a whole chicken instead of a turkey. It’s smaller, less expensive, and perfect for leftovers like soups or sandwiches., Cook in Community, : If possible, cook and share dishes with friends or neighbors to reduce costs., Lighten Up, Recipes, : Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, lower-cost alternative. Use canned fruit in juice instead of syrup for desserts. Try applesauce or mashed bananas in place of butter or oil in baking. Choose lower-sodium canned goods and rinse them before using to reduce salt intake., Staying Active and Involved, Movement and community involvement can support both physical and emotional health, especially during times of stress. Staying active doesn’t have to cost anything, and giving back can lift your spirits. Take a neighborhood walk, join a community exercise class, or volunteer at a local meal site. Remember, this is also the time of year when respiratory diseases increase. Please stay away from…, what’s within reach, : a shared meal, a warm conversation, a moment of gratitude, or a simple healthy choice. Every small step counts toward a stronger, healthier community. DPH wishes a harvest of comfort, good health, and good times this Thanksgiving! ###