Latest updates: Hurricane Helene
Our public health departments' hours of operation may be affected by power and staffing outages. This means that some closures may not appear on the state government office delays and closings map. The health and safety of our employees and our clients remains our highest priority. We are working to get services restored as safely and quickly as possible.
Learn more about DPH's role with hurricanes, floods, and weather emergencies.
Wednesday, Aug 28, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Aug. 28, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) urges residents to avoid recalled Boar’s Head deli meat following a national Listeria outbreak that might have contributed to two deaths in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.
Since July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been investigating a Listeria outbreak that has led to 43 hospitalizations and three deaths across 13 states as of Aug. 8. The deaths in South Carolina will be added to CDC’s map later this week.
"Unfortunately, an outbreak of Listeria has reached our state, and is potentially the cause of two deaths here,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “We want to ensure South Carolinians are aware of this outbreak and that everyone takes necessary steps to avoid consuming products that could be the source of infection.”
Epidemiologic, laboratory and traceback data show that some meats sliced at delis, including Boar’s Head brand liverwurst, are contaminated with Listeria and are making people sick, according to CDC. Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst Products and other deli products from the same processing plant have been recalled.
DPH and CDC recommend the following steps to avoid Listeria:
Additional steps should be taken by those who are at higher risk. Listeria is especially harmful to people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older or who have weakened immune systems. CDC always recommends people at higher risk for listeriosis avoid eating meats sliced at the deli or heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot before eating.
Delis that received recalled meats should thoroughly clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces and throw away any open meats and cheeses in the deli. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service also advises businesses to use best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas.
For up-to-date information on the Listeria outbreak, visit the CDC website.
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Wednesday, Oct 2, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 2, 2024
Monday, Sep 30, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 30, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Cedar Lane Road and Tyezack Drive in Westminster, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
Friday, Sep 27, 2024
Updated Sept. 29, 2024: The Care Line will be open for calls 24 hours a day until further notice.
Hours extended to help answer individuals’ questions about DPH services related to Hurricane Helene
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 27, 2024
Friday, Sep 27, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 27, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In observance of World Rabies Day on Sept. 28, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds South Carolinians of the steps they can take to protect people and pets against one of the world’s most fatal diseases.