What is strep pharyngitis?

Strep pharyngitis is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by a Group A Strep (GAS) bacteria. It is sometimes referred to as tonsillitis or strep throat. Group A streptococcus is a bacterium often found in the throat and on the skin. People may carry group A streptococci in the throat or on the skin and have no symptoms of illness. Most GAS infections are relatively mild illnesses such as "strep throat," or impetigo. On rare occasions, these bacteria can cause other severe and even life-threatening diseases.

Updated: Nov. 20, 2025

DPH provides tuberculosis screening only for TB suspects/cases, and contacts to a TB case.

DPH Tuberculosis Control Section 

Phone: (803) 898-0558
Fax: (803) 898-0685

TB Section Director
Amy Painter, RN, BSN

State TB Medical Consultant
Dr. F. Richard Ervin

Nurse Consultants
Candace Solomon, MSN, RN
Kendra Walker, MSN, RN

Program Administrator
Katie Waites, MPH

Surveillance Coordinator
Yolanda Jacobs

Health Educator
Morgan Seganti, MPH, CHES

Two of the worst places you can smoke in front of your child are in your home and automobile. Both are enclosed spaces that put your child much closer to your secondhand smoke.

• Thirty-eight percent of children aged 2 months to 5 years are exposed to secondhand smoke in the home
• In South Carolina, 240,000 kids breathe in secondhand smoke at home

Source: CDC, BRFSS

So, if you haven't been able to quit smoking, take it outside

Yes! 

Using a quitline can increase the chance that you will be successful in your quit attempt. Studies have shown that phone counseling is more effective than less intensive approaches such as self-help materials and tailored mail.

What is a Quitline?

A quitline is a tobacco cessation service available through a toll-free telephone number. Quitlines are staffed by counselors trained specifically to help smokers quit. A quitline:

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People who use commercial tobacco products are 3 times more likely to quit successfully using SC Tob