- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Jan. 22, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is recognizing National Birth Defects Awareness Month in January with the goal of sharing tips for healthy pregnancies, ways to lower risks of birth defects and resources for families across the state. Birth defects are physical changes that cause differences in the structure or function of the body that occur…, said Danielle Wingo, DPH’s Bureau of Maternal and Child Health director, . “While not all birth defects can be prevented, certain behaviors before and during pregnancy may increase the risk.”, Preventing birth defects, DPH’s South Carolina Birth Defects Program (SCBDP) focuses on prevention, research, and referrals to promote healthy behaviors and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and/or birth defects. “By sharing evidence-based information and resources with our communities, DPH works with our partners to promote healthy pregnancies, reduce the risk of birth defects and support the health and well-…, said Heather Blackwell, DPH Birth Defects Program manager, . Since 2018, DPH’s SCBDP has partnered with Greenwood Genetic Center’s Neural Tube Defect Prevention Program to connect women at high risk to the program for increased prevention and education through targeted referrals. Additionally, SCBDP promotes healthy pre-conception behaviors that help significantly reduce the risk of birth defects, including: taking 400 mcg folic acid through a…, said DPH cessation program manager Katy Wynne, . "The SC Tobacco Quitline has been helping people quit nicotine for 20 years. Extra support is available to pregnant women to increase their chance of quitting successfully." The SC Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) provides free, 24/7 quit support to residents of South Carolina, regardless of health insurance coverage. Pregnant women receive custom coaching that continues after the baby is born…, Improving outcomes in South Carolina, South Carolina is one of 10 states to be awarded the Advancing Population-Based Surveillance of Birth Defects grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state has participated in important research studies through this grant, with results presented at the state and national levels. Findings from this research are used in South Carolina to guide prevention efforts…, Blackwell said, . Tips and resources for preventing birth defects can be found on DPH's website . ###
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, March 5, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — Last week, the South Carolina Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Review Committee (SCMMMRC) released its annual legislative brief , detailing a drop in pregnancy-related deaths in South Carolina. The 2026 legislative brief includes data from 2022 and 2023. The SCMMMRC, which was established by the General Assembly under the South Carolina Department of Public Health (…, said Danielle Wingo, director of DPH’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau, . “DPH continues its work with our partners to strengthen our efforts to close the gaps we see in maternal health outcomes and provide every mother in South Carolina with an opportunity to survive, heal and thrive.” Overall, from 2018 to 2023, the PRMR differed by race and ethnicity with Non-Hispanic Black women experiencing the highest rate of pregnancy-related deaths. Additionally, the PRMR was…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “Even as we celebrate the progress, we know there is still much work to be done, and DPH is committed to working with our many partners to achieve the goal of no avoidable maternal deaths.” DPH brings attention to pregnancy-related health concerns and remains focused on decreasing the state’s maternal mortality rate through several projects. In 2023, DPH was awarded a five-year State Maternal…, said Kristen Shealy, assistant director of DPH’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau, . “It is our hope that making these tools accessible to new mothers will help them gain the individualized support they need.” DPH encourages the following prevention measures for pregnant women: stay up to date with all immunizations, prenatal and post-pregnancy care, avoid use of tobacco, alcohol, and other illicit drugs, learn the CDC’s Hear Her Urgent Maternal Warning Signs and seek help…
- Mosquito management and bite prevention are key to limiting people’s exposure to West Nile Virus, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, March 16, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — Residents can help the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) track West Nile virus this spring and summer by submitting, certain species, of dead birds for lab testing. DPH’s dead bird surveillance program helps the agency identify where and when there is an increase in West Nile virus (WNV) activity, as a high rate of birds infected with the disease indicates an overall increase of the virus in a certain area. DPH notifies local officials when there is increased WNV activity within their community so they can take appropriate…, says Dr. Chris Evans, State Public Health Entomologist, . “Timely mosquito control, preventing mosquito bites , and eliminating mosquito larval habitats is the best way to protect your community from illness.” Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when they feed on infected birds that carry the virus in their blood. After one to two weeks, infected mosquitoes can transmit WNV to people and other animals. “Most people infected with West Nile virus have…, said Dr. Linda Bell, DPH State Epidemiologist, . “The primary way to get West Nile virus is from the bite of an infected mosquito, which is why mosquito bite prevention and control are so important in reducing human exposures.” The amount of WNV activity varies from year to year. In 2024, 30 birds were tested from 12 counties, six of which tested positive for West Nile virus. In 2025, 23 birds were tested from 12 counties with zero positives…, DPH doesn’t perform mosquito control, . However, the agency does provide current information that helps individuals, communities and local mosquito control programs take action to reduce mosquito populations and prevent bites. Mosquito control programs are managed at the local level. Specifically, DPH asks residents to submit recently deceased, crows, blue jays, house finches, house sparrows and other songbirds, that appear not to have been injured and are not decayed. These species of birds are more susceptible to WNV than other species, making them good candidates for testing. Birds of other types will be tested on a case-by-case basis., Deceased birds can be reported or submitted to DPH at local public health departments March 16 through November 30, . To safely collect a dead bird, residents should: Use gloves or pick up the bird with doubled, plastic bags. Do not touch a bird, dead or alive, with bare hands. Keep the bagged bird cool until it can be placed on ice or in a refrigerator. If you can’t deliver the bird carcass to DPH within 36 hours of collection, freeze it until you are able to deliver it or have it shipped., Download and complete a, Dead Bird Submission and Reporting Sheet, . Take the sheet and dead bird to a local DPH office during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday), . See a list of available DPH offices for drop-off; WIC-only public health departments can’t accept birds. For more information, including locating a local DPH office for submitting deceased birds, visit dph.sc.gov/birdtesting or contact the Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory at 803-896-3802 or vector@dph.sc.gov . Additional information about WNV and mosquito management tips are available at dph.sc…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Apr. 21, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Twice a year, in April and October, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) partners with local law enforcement and other community organizations to host National Prescription Drug Take Back Days. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to participate in the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, by…, said Julia Horan, DPH’s Substance Use Prevention Unit manager, . “Properly disposing of expired or unwanted prescription medications can help prevent misuse, keeping our families and communities safer. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a great reminder to look at your medicine cabinet and dispose of unused prescription medications to prevent dangerous and potentially tragic outcomes.” National Prescription Drug Take Back Day drop-off events run…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, May 4, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that two raccoons and one skunk from different counties have tested positive for rabies. A raccoon from Aiken County was found near Archie Ware Road and Dessert Palm Lane in Ridge Spring, S.C. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. A raccoon from Lancaster County was…, 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…
- … Hantavirus Cluster Linked to Cruise Ship 4/27/2026 DPH Health Advisory Update 3 – Measles Outbreak in Upstate Region 4/2/2026 CDC Health Advisory Medetomidine in the U.S. Illegal … Risk for Overdose and Severe Withdrawal Syndrome 2/18/2026 DPH Health Advisory Update 2 – Measles Outbreak in Upstate Region 1/20/2026 CDC Health Advisory New World Screwworm: Outbreak Moves into Northern Mexico 1/7/2026 DPH Health Advisory Update – Measles Outbreak in Upstate Region 12/4/2025 CDC Health Advisory First Reported Outbreak Caused …
- … pathogens, including: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Influenza A/B Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Measles Testing occurs at the South Carolina Public Health Laboratory using molecular detection … respiratory season. View the Respiratory Disease Wastewater Dashboard This dashboard shows measles‑positive wastewater detections across South Carolina, providing weekly updates to support monitoring of measles activity statewide. View the Measles Wastewater Dashboard Dashboard FAQs What is WVAL and …
- … novel Influenza strains. Additionally, the laboratory performs outbreak response testing for measles and mumps as well as screening for TB contact investigations and arboviral surveillance … Diseases Surveillance Laboratory support for preventable disease surveillance for testing Measles, Mumps, Varicella, and Rubella. Rabies Testing The Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) test …
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, April 30, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is pleased to announce the awarding of a $7.7 million Maternal Care Access Project grant to Clemson Rural Health of Clemson University, effective April 24th. The grant includes $702,750 in one-time funding for the purchase of a Mobile Maternity Unit (MMU), then annual funding of $1.4 million for its operating…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director, . “This has contributed to poor health outcomes for mothers and babies. Today, that begins to change. By bringing quality care directly to communities, DPH and the Clemson Rural Health of Clemson University are making it easier for women to get care close to home. Clemson is a strong partner in this work, and together we’re committed to improving the health of mothers and children in underserved…, Healthy Opportunities for Perinatal Equity, ). The B.L.O.O.M. clinic will integrate technology-enabled solutions to expand access to care and improve maternal health outcomes. Services will include preconception counseling, prenatal and postpartum care, chronic disease management, and lactation support. Patients will also benefit from remote patient monitoring, access to obstetric and maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and connections to…, said Ron Gimbel, Clemson professor and director of CRH, ., Dr. Trey Moore, Family Physician, Abbeville Area Medical Center, agreed, . “This first-of-its-kind partnership in the Lakelands region allows Self Regional Healthcare and Clemson Rural Health to bring advanced maternity care directly to the highest-risk pregnant individuals in our communities,” Dr. Moore said. “By building on our hands-on approach to improving pregnancy outcomes, this program strengthens our ability to address the chronic conditions that contribute to…, said Danielle Wingo, Director of DPH’s Bureau of Maternal and Child Health, . “This mobile maternity unit will create new pathways to care for individuals who face significant barriers to accessing routine services. We look forward to partnering with them to expand access to high‑quality prenatal and postpartum care in our rural communities. —, About Clemson Rural Health, Clemson Rural Health is the organizing framework for Clemson's rural health service delivery and prevention efforts statewide - with locations including the Clemson Health Clinic at Walhalla, Clemson Health Clinic at Orangeburg, Clemson Community Primary Care – home of the Joseph F. Sullivan Center, Clemson Rural Health Support Office at Abbeville, and a fleet of Clemson Rural Health mobile…, About Self Regional Healthcare, Self Regional Healthcare is a private, not-for-profit health system serving the Lakelands region of South Carolina. Headquartered in Greenwood, the system delivers a full continuum of care across a seven-county service area, including Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda counties. Self Regional Healthcare provides care through its 358-bed acute care hospital,…
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, May 8, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — As Mother’s Day approaches on May 10, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) salutes all moms across the state, from those newly expecting to grandmothers and beyond. DPH encourages every mom to make physical and mental health a priority, reminding them that when they are healthier, so are their families, communities and us all. May is also Maternal…, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Services & Chief Medical Officer, . “Mother’s Day and Maternal Mental Health Month offer an opportunity for both new and experienced moms to reflect and make sure they are prioritizing their mental health, thus ensuring they have the emotional resilience to navigate daily stresses and enjoy the meaningful moments of motherhood.” Mental health matters for mothers at every age and stage of life. About 1 in 8 women suffer from…, Prioritize healthy lifestyle habits, : Exercising, eating nourishing foods and getting adequate sleep nightly play a critical role in mental health., Ask for help, : Lean on family and friends to provide help and support when you need a hand, physically and emotionally. Seeking help is a sign of strength – do not hesitate to talk with your primary care provider or a mental health professional if you think you might need help. “Mothers carry significant responsibilities, and prioritizing your needs can help you manage stress, maintain balance, and feel more…, said Danielle Wingo, Bureau Director of Maternal and Child Healt, h. “We want South Carolina’s mothers at every stage in their life to know how important it is to maintain your mental health and that there are resources out there to assist.” Mothers and expectant mothers can call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to talk to a trained counselor who specializes in maternal…, Traxler said, . “We want our state’s mothers to live long, healthy lives, allowing them to experience and enjoy Mother's Days for years to come.” For more information on maternal health, visit DPH’s Pregnancy and Postpartum Health webpage . Additional information and resources related to maternal health are available on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health website . ###