The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday lifted its advisory to avoid ocean water at Charleston-area beaches due to an oil spill.

The Lowcountry DHEC office is getting swamped with calls for appointments to get the swine flu vaccination, but too many people who are ineligible are tying up the phone lines.

The Lowcountry DHEC office is getting swamped with calls for appointments to get the swine flu vaccination, but too many people who are ineligible are tying up the phone lines.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is working to make sure families are informed about antibiotics.  They are supplying each branch of the public library system in South Carolina with books for parents and children to check out and read about antibiotic safety.

College of Charleston spokesman Mike Robertson confirms there are 12 cases of swine flu.

DHEC says it will receive a nearly $3.7 million federal grant to bolster its preparedness and ability to respond to potential public health emergencies.

West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes, and can cause serious, life-altering and even fatal disease. Enjoy the warm weather, but remember that mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are already making their mark in some areas, so get out and use the mosquito repellent. Remember to check around your yard and dump out standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

The report says the problem rests with the agencys top management, whose major policy decisions have been challenged repeatedly in recent years by lawmakers, judges,  environmentalists, doctors and residents.