Here’s a look at health and environmental news from around South Carolina.

South Carolina DHEC releases new infant mortality data for 2016

South Carolina DHEC released new information showing that South Carolina’s infant mortality has remained at 7.0 deaths per 1000 births.

This data shows four fewer deaths in 2016 than in the previous year.

Mobile Mammography Unit makes screenings more convenient for Pee Dee women

FLORENCE, S.C. – For nine years, the McLeod Mobile Mammography Unit has made receiving mammograms a more convenient task for women across northeastern South Carolina.

McLeod Health’s radiology liaison, Johnna Black, said the mobile mammography unit was the combined vision of the hospital’s cancer and breast imaging department and the McLeod Foundation.

General Interest

What you need to know about the new shingles vaccine

Barbara Campbell has twice had shingles. Each time, one side of her body was covered in “thousands of these horrid blisters.” She could only wear the lightest silk blouse. Anything else touching her skin hurt too much.

“I’m in terror of having it happen again,” said Campbell, 79, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, describing the painful rash that will affect almost 1 out of 3 people in their lifetime. Because of allergies, she couldn’t get the Zostavax vaccine, which is made with live, albeit weakened virus.

But Campbell and millions of other older Americans at risk of shingles – a condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox – may soon have another option.