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.
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.
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.
Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 1,220 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States.* The elderly, people with chronic illnesses, homebound people and children under 5 are among those most at risk from heat-related illness.
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:
Currently, the South Carolina Fire Injury Prevention Program provides residential smoke alarm installation and fire safety education throughout the state. DPH has been successful in partnering with local fire departments to provide residential smoke alarms and fire safety in homes that include the target population, young children and the elderly.
Falls remain the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injury for older Americans. Falls threaten their safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.
Steps to protect you and your loved ones while riding a bicycle on the roadways:
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