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

DHEC urges you to get flu vaccine

“Anyone can get the flu even if they are healthy,” said Dr. Teresa Foo, an S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control immunization medical consultant.

That’s why DHEC in a recent news release has urged South Carolinians to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu by being vaccinated.

Hospitals receive Zero Harm Awards

Hilton Head Regional Healthcare hospitals Coastal Carolina Hospital and Hilton Head Hospital each received four Certified Zero Harm Awards at the 37th annual South Carolina Medical Association/South Carolina Hospital Association Trustee, Administrator and Physician Conference.

The awards recognize hospitals that achieve 12 consecutive months or more without certain preventable hospital-acquired infections. All hospital data used for the awards is independently verified by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

General Interest

Mumps outbreak at Syracuse as CDC weighs new vaccine recommendation

(CNN)An outbreak of mumps has spurred Syracuse University to offer students a third “booster” shot of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

As of Monday, there have been 27 confirmed and 48 probable cases of mumps on campus, according to Syracuse University Health Services. Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus spread through saliva and mucus.