South Carolina DPH News

Measles Case in Saluda County Adult, 34 Exposed

South Carolina DPH confirmed a measles case in a Saluda County adult linked to international travel. Lab confirmation was received April 16. Thirty-four individuals have been identified as potentially exposed and are being notified for quarantine. No public exposures occurred. This brings the state total to 1,001 measles cases since July 2025, while the unrelated Upstate outbreak (997 cases) is scheduled to be declared over April 26.

Rabid Dog Confirmed in Anderson County; Four People and One Pet Exposed

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a brown and black German shepherd dog found near La Paz Street and Los Cabos Lane in Pendleton tested positive for rabies on April 15, 2026. Four people were exposed and have been referred to healthcare providers. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined per the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. This is the fifth animal to test positive for rabies in Anderson County in 2026, with 24 cases statewide.

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Lexington County One Person and One Pet Exposed

South Carolina DPH confirmed a bat found near Henslowe and Ashburton lanes in West Columbia tested positive for rabies on April 14, 2026, after being submitted for testing on April 13. One person was potentially exposed and has been referred to their health care provider, while one dog was exposed and will be quarantined under the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. This is the 23rd case of rabid animals statewide in 2026 and the second in Lexington County.

997 Measles Cases, No New Cases Since March - Outbreak Update

South Carolina DPH reports no new measles cases since March 17, keeping the Upstate outbreak total at 997. No individuals are currently in quarantine or isolation. If no new cases are reported, the outbreak will be declared over on April 26, following a 42-day period with no new cases.

EMS Training Committee to Meet Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026

The South Carolina Department of Public Health announces that the EMS Training Committee will meet on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the State of South Carolina Health Campus, Conference Room A141, 400 Otarre Parkway, Cayce. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda and virtual viewing link are available on the meeting event page.

SC DPH Observes STI Awareness Week, Apr 12-18

SC DPH issued a press release observing National STI Awareness Week (April 12-18). The release presents 2024 data showing 81% of chlamydia cases and 66% of gonorrhea cases in South Carolina were diagnosed in people under 30. Congenital syphilis reached a record high of 44 cases in 2024. The agency emphasized the importance of prenatal care and syphilis screening for pregnant women.

Trauma Advisory Council Data and PI Subcommittee Meeting - April 10, 2026

Trauma Advisory Council virtual meeting, Apr. 10, 9am

Measles Outbreak Update: No New Cases Since March 17, Total Holds at 997

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported no new measles cases since March 17, keeping the Upstate outbreak total at 997 cases. No individuals are currently in quarantine or isolation. The outbreak appears stable pending the 42-day no-case period required for declaration of outbreak end.

South Carolina Stroke Advisory Council to Meet April 9, 2026

The South Carolina Department of Public Health announced that the South Carolina Stroke Advisory Council will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be conducted virtually, with the agenda and link to view the proceedings available on the department's meeting event page.

South Carolina Measles Outbreak Update - 997 Cases, No New Infections

South Carolina DPH reported no new measles cases since March 17, keeping the Upstate outbreak total at 997 cases. The outbreak has been ongoing since 2025 with 932 unvaccinated, 20 partially vaccinated, and 26 fully vaccinated individuals among confirmed cases. No persons are currently in quarantine or isolation.

Rabid Cat Confirmed in Anderson County; Two People, Sixteen Cats, and Nine Dogs Exposed

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a rabid cat in Anderson County near Belton, S.C. Two people were exposed and referred to healthcare providers; 16 cats and 9 dogs were also exposed. This is the fourth animal to test positive for rabies in Anderson County in 2026, with 22 cases reported statewide this year.

Measles Outbreak Status Update - No New Cases Reported

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reports no new measles cases since March 27, maintaining the Upstate outbreak total at 997 cases. The outbreak will be declared over on April 26, 2026, pending 42 consecutive days without new cases. Age breakdown shows 639 cases in ages 5-17, 264 in children under 5, and 87 in adults 18+.

Rabid Bobcat Confirmed in Colleton County; One Person Exposed

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a bobcat found near Augusta Hwy and Noble Lane in Smoaks, SC tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their healthcare provider. This is the first animal to test positive for rabies in Colleton County in 2026, with 21 rabies cases reported statewide this year.

Health Facility Complaint Portal Launch

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) launched a new online complaint portal for licensed health care facilities and professionals. The portal streamlines complaint submission for the public and automates facility information lookup to assist DPH staff with triage. Healthcare facilities can also use the portal to report required serious accidents and incidents.

Measles Outbreak Update: 997 Cases Total, No New Cases Reported

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported no new measles cases since Tuesday, maintaining the Upstate outbreak total at 997 cases. The department noted that 42 days without new cases are required to declare the outbreak over, with the potential end date set for April 26 if no further cases arise.

Rabid Skunks Confirmed in Pickens County; One Person and One Horse Exposed

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed two skunks tested positive for rabies in Pickens County, leading to exposure for one person and one horse. The notice reminds residents of rabies vaccination requirements for pets and livestock.

South Carolina DPH Measles Outbreak Update

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported no new measles cases as of March 24, 2026, maintaining the outbreak total at 997. The state is on track to declare the outbreak over by April 26 if no new cases are reported, based on a 42-day transmission-free period.

SC DPH World TB Day Awareness and Prevention

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) observed World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24, 2026, reinforcing its commitment to TB prevention and awareness. The notice highlights the state's theme 'Yes! We Can End TB – Together' and details progress in reducing TB cases, emphasizing ongoing efforts for early detection and treatment.

South Carolina Stroke Registry Task Force Meeting Announcement

The South Carolina Department of Public Health announced that the South Carolina Stroke Registry Task Force will hold a virtual meeting on March 26, 2026. The agenda and meeting link are available on the event page.

Hearing Aid Specialists Committee Meeting Notice

The South Carolina Department of Health has announced that the Commission of Hearing Aid Specialists Committee will hold a meeting on March 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. The meeting will take place at the State of South Carolina Health Campus in Cayce, SC. Information regarding the agenda and virtual viewing options is available on the meeting event page.

South Carolina Health Planning Committee Meeting Announcement

The South Carolina Health Planning Committee announced it will hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. The meeting will take place at the State of South Carolina Health Campus and will also be available virtually. The agenda and virtual viewing link are posted on the meeting event page.

South Carolina Health Ranking Improvement

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DPH) announced an improvement in the state's health ranking to 36th in the United Health Foundation's 2025 Annual Report. This marks the state's highest ranking since the report's inception in 1990, attributed to factors like increased cancer screenings and decreased physical inactivity.

South Carolina Measles Outbreak Update

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported no new measles cases since Tuesday, maintaining the Upstate outbreak total at 997. The update also provided demographic and vaccination status breakdowns of the cases. The department continues to emphasize vaccination as the primary prevention method.

Trauma Advisory Council Data and PI Subcommittee Meeting Announcement

The South Carolina Department of Public Health announced that the Trauma Advisory Council Data and PI Subcommittee will hold a virtual meeting on March 20, 2026. The agenda and meeting link are available on the event page.

Rabid Bat Confirmed in Aiken County, SC

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a rabid bat in Aiken County, with one dog exposed and quarantined. This is the second animal in Aiken County and the 18th statewide this year to test positive for rabies.

South Carolina Measles Outbreak Update

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported one new measles case, bringing the total outbreak count to 997. The update also provided data on age breakdown and vaccination status of cases. Vaccination is emphasized as the best prevention method.

SC DPH Asks Residents to Submit Dead Birds for West Nile Virus Testing

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is asking residents to submit specific species of dead birds for West Nile virus testing. This surveillance program helps DPH identify increased WNV activity and notify local officials to implement mosquito control measures.

Measles Outbreak Update - South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported three new measles cases, bringing the total outbreak count to 996. The update also noted 30 people are currently in quarantine, with an end date of April 2.

Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in Oconee County; Exposure Reported

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a rabid raccoon in Oconee County, resulting in one human and one pet exposure. The notice advises on seeking medical attention and reporting potential exposures, emphasizing pet vaccination and providing contact information for public health offices.

Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in Saluda County, South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a rabid raccoon in Saluda County, leading to one pet being quarantined. This is the second confirmed case in Saluda County this year, with 16 statewide. Residents are advised to keep pets vaccinated and avoid contact with wild animals.

Measles Outbreak Update: South Carolina DPH Reports 993 Cases

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reported two new measles cases, bringing the total outbreak count to 993. The update also provided details on quarantine, isolation, and vaccination status of affected individuals.