MRSA - Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
What is Staph?
Staph is a type of bacteria. Up to one-third of all people carry Staph on their skin or in their nose and are "colonized", but not infected, with Staph. They have no symptoms, yet they can pass the germ to others.
West Nile Virus
Overview
West Nile virus is a disease transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected birds.
West Nile virus is common in birds, humans and other animals in Africa, Australia, Eastern Europe, west Asia and the Middle East.
It was first detected in North America in 1999, and has since spread across the continental United States and Canada.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
What is Pertussis?
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that is found throughout the world. Pertussis was one of the most common causes of childhood deaths prior to the availability of a vaccine.
Since the widespread use of the vaccine began, deaths from have decreased dramatically. Because the bacteria are so widespread, most communities, including South Carolina, can expect cases of the disease each year. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children.
Head Lice (Pediculosis)
What are Head Lice?
Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp and lay their eggs on hair. Head lice are very common, particularly in children. There is no connection between head lice and the length of someone's hair or the cleanliness of the hair, body, or home or school environment.
The medical name for head lice is Pediculosis humanus capitis.
Avian Influenza
DPH continues to monitor reports of recent avian flu outbreaks around the world. There have been no human cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in South Carolina since it was first detected in the United States in 2022.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Concussions
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. It may be caused by bump, blow, or jolt to the head that causes the brain to move quickly back and forth. Other traumatic brain injuries result from an external object penetrating the head. A person with a possible TBI should be seen by a health care provider. Your health care provider may have treatment to help speed your recovery.
Water Safety and Drowning Prevention
Updated: Feb. 9, 2026
Heat-Related Illnesses
What are Heat-Related Illnesses?
Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks-related injuries are most common on and around holidays associated with fireworks celebrations, especially July 4th and New Year's Eve.
The best way to prevent fireworks injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals. However, if you still want to light fireworks at home, keep these safety tips in mind: