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.
Thursday, Aug 15, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Aug. 15, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that a bat, a racoon and a skunk – all from different counties – have tested positive for rabies.
All wildlife species were submitted to DPH’s laboratory on Aug. 12, 2024, and were confirmed to have rabies on Aug. 13, 2024. If you believe you, someone you know or your pets have come in contact with either the Charleston County bat, Chester County raccoon, Saluda County Skunk, or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH's Lowcountry Charleston office at (843) 953-4713, Columbia office at (803) 896-4680, or the Aiken office at (803) 642-1687 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).
“Rabies is usually transmitted through a bite or scratch that allows saliva from an infected animal to be introduced into the body of a person or another animal. However, infected saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program director.
Raccoons are the most common animal to test positive for rabies in South Carolina and play a significant role in the transmission of rabies in the state. There is no established time frame for monitoring wildlife to rule out the possibility of rabies. DPH does not recommend keeping wild animals as pets due to the risks of rabies exposures.
To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space. If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator, or a wildlife rehabilitator. Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH.
In 2024, the Charleston County bat is the fourth animal to test positive for rabies in that county, the Chester County raccoon is the third animal in that county to test positive for rabies, and the Saluda County skunk is the second animal in that county to test positive for rabies. There have been 49 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 148 positive cases a year. Of the 78 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina in 2023, two were in Charleston County, one was in Chester County and one was in Saluda County.
Contact information for local Public Health offices is available dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. For more information on rabies, visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.
###
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.