South Carolina Department of Public Health

We are the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Our name may have changed, but our commitment to protecting, promoting and improving the health and well-being of everyone in South Carolina is stronger than ever. Our people-first approach guides all that we do.

DPH has confirmed a case of measles in an Upstate resident. This is the first confirmed case of measles reported in SC since September 2024. The individual is unvaccinated and did not have immunity from a previous measles infection. View the release here: dph.sc.gov/news/dph-confi…

WIC Participants: The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is aware of the recent federal executive orders and memos and is awaiting further guidance. In the meantime, your access to WIC services and benefits will continue. We will keep you informed of any updates.

Several health departments are closed today due to inclement weather. Please check South Carolina Emergency Management Division's closing webpage (scemd.org/closings) to confirm if DPH and state government offices in your area are open today before going.

Due to a change in the forecast, state government offices in Richland and Lexington Counties will be closing at noon today. State government offices in other counties will follow county government closure decisions.

Statement from Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH Interim Director, regarding H5N1/Bird Flu: DPH is working with our Palmetto State partners to monitor bird flu activity, and the current risk to the public is low. Visit bit.ly/3DAtJw6 to learn more about bird flu.

Acompaña a DPH (Departamento de Salud Pública) y otras agencias en Equipo de Carolina del Sur Días del Condado ocurriendo esta semana, empezando hoy. Más información: governor.sc.gov/news/2024-10/g…

Join DPH and other agencies at @henrymcmaster Team South Carolina County Days happening this week. DPH will offer Tdap and flu vaccines and help eligible individuals apply for WIC services. Learn more: bit.ly/4dGDRj7

Here are this week’s Team South Carolina County Days.

@BSWArena continues to be an outstanding community partner. Arena staff and volunteers are making 2500 lunches per day to support @UWGreenvilleSC. The @SC_DPH is using the arena as a medical needs shelter for 100 patients and their caregivers. (7/7)

Gov. @HenryMcMaster will join state emergency management officials to give an update on Hurricane Helene (2:30 p.m., Oct. 3, 2024). For more information, please continue to follow @SCEMD and local media. youtube.com/watch?v=i5yOtr…

DPH is working to fill requests from counties as they are received, and resources are available.

DPH has worked to get a supply of medical oxygen tanks into South Carolina for those in need in certain counties. Visit our Hurricane Helene webpage to learn more: dph.sc.gov/public/stormhu…

Team SC is working around the clock to clear roads, restore power, and get the gas stations open. The crews out there are working as fast as they can under conditions like we have not seen before. It's going to take some time, but things will return to normal.

The Congaree at Columbia is now forecast to reach Major flood stage late tonight & crest at 31.0 feet early tomorrow afternoon. This crest is near the 2015 value of 31.8 feet. Interests near the river need to take necessary actions including along the Broad river. #Helene #scwx

Be aware of yours and others’ risk for heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and fainting. For more information about how to prevent heat-related illnesses, dph.sc.gov/health-wellnes… or cdc.gov/disasters/extr…

Admission to the shelter is based on your medical needs and on the shelter’s capacity to meet those needs. Registration and admission are done at the time of an event.

This includes people who: - Have medical conditions that require electricity support and/or - Use a hospital bed/ specialized medical bed at home

Those who are dependent on medical equipment at home and are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter.