Emergencies can happen anywhere in the world, including North Georgia. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to malnutrition, illness, and death in these situations. Whatever the emergency – from earthquake to terrorism, from floods to the flu pandemic – the story is the same: breastfeeding is a lifeline and a shield that protects infants in emergencies.

The North Georgia Health District and Georgia's Department of Community Health encourage Georgians to use this month's emphasis of National Preparedness to prepare for the fall flu season.

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A three year old male cat in Gilmer County was recently exposed to a bat that later tested positive for rabies, according to Gilmer County Environmental Health officials.

“The cat’s owner found it playing with the bat in their yard in the Craigtown Road/52 West area on July 30,” said Andrea Wheeler, Gilmer County Environmental Health Manager. “The owner contacted our department where the bat was shipped for rabies testing and it was found to be positive for rabies on August 5.”

One person was exposed to rabies and another was potentially rabies exposed in Gilmer County this week in connection with two separate raccoon attacks to dogs.

According to Andrea Wheeler, Gilmer County Environmental Health Manager, both raccoons tested positive for rabies on July 28 after they each attacked domestic dogs in two separate incidents in which a woman was exposed to rabies and a man was potentially exposed to the deadly disease.

A man was exposed to a fox that later tested positive for rabies on February Lane off Old Highway 5 North in Ellijay, according to Andrea Wheeler of Gilmer County Environmental Health. The resident encountered the fox on July 16, 2009 and the fox tested positive for rabies on July 23, 2009.

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Officials warn of several stray animals in Rose Ridge Dr. /Hwy. 382 area

Two dogs on Rose Ridge Drive near Highway 382 in Ellijay were exposed on June 6 to a raccoon that was later confirmed as positive for rabies, according to Andrea Wheeler of Gilmer County Environmental Health. Neither dog was currently vaccinated against rabies, so both dogs were subsequently euthanized.

• WHERE do folks go during a disease outbreak when they need medication. . . fast?
• WHO is responsible for getting needed medications to you and your community?
• WHAT is the best way to prepare your family for an emergency?
• HOW can you can help in the event of a Public Health Emergency?

To RSVP or to learn more details, please contact Jennifer Moorer, Public Information Officer, at 706-272-2125, x346, or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC—Refreshments provided!