South-Carolina
SC measles outbreak remains stalled with no new cases reported
Watch Spartanburg nurse practitioner Chandler Nash talk about measles
Chandler Hash, a nurse practitioner at Parkside Health Center talks about measles and vaccine
Not long ago, it appeared almost certain that the measles outbreak centered in Spartanburg would surpass 1,000 cases.
Now that case total may be unlikely.
On March 27, DPH reported no new infections. The total number of cases remains at 997, where it has stood since March 17, when DPH reported one new infection.
There is currently one person in quarantine, according to the March 27 DPH update.
The measles outbreak began in October and grew somewhat slowly until the Christmas holidays. In January, the number of cases exploded—from 185 on Jan. 2 to 847 on Jan. 30.
In a March 25 media briefing, state epidemiologist Linda Bell was asked about the declining number of cases.
She credited an uptick in vaccinations in January and February, as well as DPH efforts to identify cases quickly and quarantine people who were infected or exposed.
If no new infections occur, DPH officials said the outbreak could be declared ended on April 26.
DPH officials explained that it takes 42 days with no new infections, “to declare an end to a measles outbreak. This is double the number of days for an incubation period (21 days) and a clear indicator of a broken transmission chain.”
Bell said DPH is asking school nurses and physicians’ offices to report any possible measles symptoms.
She added that health officials are keeping an eye on spring break — April 6-10 for public schools in Spartanburg County — as families might travel for vacation or to visit family members. People lacking immunity could be at risk.
“We remain vigilant,” Bell said, stressing that the two-dose MMR vaccine is the most effective protection against the spread of measles.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — A loud boom was heard and felt across the Midlands around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Viewers reported hearing and feeling the boom from as far as North Augusta to Darlington County.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a M 0.0 sonic boom occurred 3.7 miles northeast of the St. Andrews area.
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WACH FOX has reached out to authorities and will have more information when it becomes available.
South-Carolina
South Carolina Research Authority announces funding opportunity for rural healthcare tech startups
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Research Authority announced a funding opportunity available to tech startups focused on improving rural health access on Wednesday.
The Tech Catalyst Fund is one of five initiatives within the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program. The program is brought to life by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
SCRA was chosen to administer the Tech Catalyst Fund by SCDHHS due to its expertise in fostering innovation, supporting startups, and driving economic development through investments.
“We look forward to partnering with SCRA to promote consumer-facing, technology-driven solutions to drive development and innovation across rural South Carolina,” said SCDHHS Director Eunice Medina.
Non-dilutive funding will be provided to awarded tech startups that address the unmet needs in rural South Carolina, specifically focused on prevention and management of chronic diseases, while increasing quality, affordability, and access to care.
“The Tech Catalyst Fund will drive the development and deployment of medical innovations, bringing meaningful change to those who need it most,” said Bill Kirkland, SCRA President and CEO.
Prospective startups will have until June 25 to apply for this funding opportunity, after which a series of evaluations will take place. More information about eligibility can be found here.
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