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.
Monday, Aug 19, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Aug. 19, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a fox found near Gaston Street between Jeffcoat Court and Carolyn Lane in Gaston, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their health care provider. Three cats were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
The fox was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing Aug. 13, 2024, and was confirmed to have rabies Aug. 14, 2024. If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this fox or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH's Columbia office at (803) 896-4680 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).
Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH. “It is very important for you to seek medical attention if you have been exposed to a wild, stray, or domestic animal. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted through a bite, scratch, broken skin, and the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose, or mouth. Immediately wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director. “Contact your local Public Health office for further guidance.”
It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This fox is the second animal in Lexington County to test positive for rabies in 2024. There have been 50 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 148 positive cases a year. In 2023, eight of the 78 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Lexington County.
Contact information for local Public Health offices is available at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. For more information on rabies, visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.
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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.