The North Charleston Health Department, part of the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), has issued updated guidelines for 2025 touching on disease reporting, public health response, and community precautions.
Key 2025 Guidelines
Disease Reporting Requirements: Hospitals and healthcare providers must report aggregate weekly COVID-19 and influenza hospitalizations, as well as positive laboratory results for a wide range of infectious diseases (including hepatitis, tuberculosis, measles, mumps, and lead levels), often within specific timelines—some immediately, others within 24 hours or 3 business days depending on urgency.
Public Health Investigations: The department is authorized to immediately respond to any suspect or confirmed cluster of illness, contagion, or unusual public health threat. This can include issuing quarantine orders, isolation, or facility restrictions as deemed needed for disease control or emergency situations.
Sanitation and Safety: New and existing orders cover sanitation standards in food service establishments, nursing homes, and public swimming facilities, and require strict adherence to state and federal health regulations.
Lead Testing: All blood lead test results must be reported (with any result at or above 3.5 mcg/dL considered “elevated” and reportable within 7 days). Routine results must be submitted within 30 days.
Emerging Health Threats: Laboratories and providers must report any chemical, biological, or radiological events, outbreaks, or conditions posing substantial risk to public health immediately by contacting the Lowcountry Public Health Office in North Charleston.
Regional Contact Details
Residents or providers in North Charleston and nearby counties should contact:
Lowcountry Public Health Office, 3685 Rivers Avenue, Suite 201, North Charleston, SC 29405.
Office phone: (843) 441-1091 (24/7 availability for urgent reports).
These guidelines are intended to ensure rapid response to illnesses, safeguard public health, and maintain high safety standards across the community in 2025.
SOURCES
[1](https://dph.sc.gov/sites/scdph/files/Library/00164-ENG-CR_2025.pdf)
[2](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/3613.htm)
[3](https://www.maynardnexsen.com/publication-key-health-care-issues-to-track-in-2025-in-the-carolinas)
[4](https://www.scdhhs.gov/sites/dhhs/files/documents/2025-8-15%20Public%20Notice%20-%20Waiver%20Amendments.pdf)
[5](https://dph.sc.gov)
