The word arthritis actually means "joint inflammation" and is a general term used to refer to joint pain or joint disease. It is not a single disease, but is a term used to refer to more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and tendons. These diseases are characterized by pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints.
Updated: June 29, 2026
Ebola disease is a rare but serious viral hemorrhagic fever caused by infection with one of four orthoebolaviruses known to infect humans: Ebola virus, Sudan virus, Bundibugyo virus, and Taï Forest virus. Ebola can cause severe illness and death if not recognized and treated promptly. The virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola or has died from the disease and does not spread through the air like influenza or COVID-19.
In recent years, the use of e-cigarettes and vape devices among youth in South Carolina has eclipsed the use of cigarettes. Current data show that about 1 in 5 teenagers in South Carolina currently vape.
DPH’s Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention Section (NPAO) leads efforts to improve policy, communication and overall collaboration between partners working on prioritizing physical activity in schools. DPH also provides technical assistance, support, and training to schools on SC FitnessGram.
For more information on prioritizing physical activity in schools, contact Erica Ayers at ayersee@dph.sc.gov.
