- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, June 15, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near Savannah Highway and Hutto Road in Nesses, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. Three people were exposed and have been referred to their healthcare providers. 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, . “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:, June 16, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a fox found near Woodbury Drive and Woodlawn Road in Greenwood, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their healthcare provider. The fox was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing June 12, 2026, and was confirmed to have rabies June 15, 2026. ou…, 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:, June 16, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is observing National Men’s Health Week (June 15-21) by encouraging men across the state to get active, practice healthy habits and schedule a visit with their doctor for health screenings. Concluding on Father’s Day each year, Men’s Health Week aims to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and…, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, acting DPH director, . “Small steps, like getting regular checkups, staying active, and choosing nutritious foods, can make a big difference over time. This week offers an ideal moment to start fresh and build lasting routines that help you feel your best.” According to data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , 14.2% of men in the U.S. are in fair or poor health, and only 28.3% of…, said Hallie Heffner, DPH’s Cancer Prevention Coordinator, . DPH recommends the following healthy choices during Men’s Health Month: Get moving! You should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, such as 30 minutes a day, five days a week. If you use tobacco, quit now! Quitting has immediate health benefits, as smoking is known to cause more than 12 different types of cancer. The sooner you quit, the sooner you can reduce…
- … department to get vaccinated. Vaccines are important to protect our kids from diseases such as measles, mumps, chickenpox and whooping cough. 2026-2027 School Year: Click here for 2026-2027 …
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- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, May 4, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In advance of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) joins partners in observing National Hurricane Preparedness Week May 3-9 and May as South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month. South Carolina is most at risk for tropical storms and hurricanes from June through November. “…, said Dr. Edward Simmer, interim DPH director, . “We encourage everyone in our state to update their plans and make the necessary preparations in advance of each hurricane season. South Carolina was spared major impacts during the 2025 hurricane season; however, we must always remain vigilant as a coastal state.” To prepare for a hurricane, DPH recommends all South Carolinians take the following steps: Stay informed : Know where you can go to…