Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Georgia is February 4 - 8, 2019

  

As we approach what is typically the most active part of the year for severe weather, Severe Weather Preparedness Week provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the dangers of severe weather, as well as knowing how and when to take proper actions when severe weather is expected and hits.  Please take the time now to review your home, school, or businesses preparedness plans. Each day is dedicated to a different topic that addresses severe weather preparedness. Throughout the week, the topics to be covered include:

• Monday - Family Preparedness (NWR + Wireless Emergency Alerts)
• Tuesday - Thunderstorm Safety (Hail & Damaging Wind Threats/Impacts)
• Wednesday - Tornado Safety  **NWR TEST Warning Message - 9 AM**
• Thursday - Lightning Safety
• Friday - Flash Flooding/Flood Safety 

Protection from catching and spreading influenza includes several important steps, but the first and most effective step toward fighting the flu is a flu vaccination.

Last year, Georgia experienced one of the worst flu seasons in recent history. Now, the CDC reports that Georgia is experiencing high numbers of flu-like illnesses and confirmed cases.

Don’t fall victim to the flu, North Georgians – vaccinate before it’s too late!

North Georgia Health District officials urge residents who have not received a flu shot this season to vaccinate, especially now that the peak of flu season is upon us, from mid-January through the end of February, possibly longer. It takes a couple of weeks for flu vaccine to reach its full protective potential within the body, so the timing is critical for anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so right away.

Influenza can be a serious disease that leads to hospitalization and sometimes death. Regardless of race, age, gender or ethnicity, anyone can get sick from the flu. Those especially at risk are adults 65 years of age and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or other long-term medical conditions. 

Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu, but flu vaccine is the best protection.

Both regular quadrivalent flu vaccine, which protects against the four strains of flu virus that are most commonly circulating this season, and high dose flu vaccine for people age 65 and older are available at local health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties (click on the name of your county for health department contact information). The health departments accept several forms of health insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid so that vaccination is cost-free to the client. For people without healthcare coverage, regular flu vaccine is $25 and high dose flu vaccine is $65. 

Symptoms of seasonal flu may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, tiredness and/or muscle aches. People who might have flu –particularly if they are in the groups listed above at risk for severe disease and complications – should seek medical care and start antiviral medication as soon as possible.

In addition to a flu shot, here are other steps anyone can followto help prevent getting or spreading the flu:

• Wash your hands and your children’s hands frequently, especially after contact with other people.
• Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue afterward, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve if no tissues are available.
• Clean your hands after you cough or sneeze, even if you use a tissue. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available and your hands are not visibly dirty.
• When possible, stay home if you get the flu.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

But remember, that first step to protect against the flu is to get a flu shot! So, please go to or call the local county health department or a health care provider to be vaccinated. For more information on immunization, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website at http://dph.georgia.gov/influenza-what-you-need-know.

Measles, also called Rubeola, is a highly contagious viral disease. The disease has not been common in the United States for many years, however it is widespread in many parts of the world including Europe, Africa, and Asia, and currently, there are some areas even in the U.S. that are experiencing measles outbreaks - get the latest outbreak updates from the CDC.

Measles begins with a fever that lasts for a couple of days, followed by a cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). These symptoms are followed by a maculopapular rash that begins at the hairline, moves to the face and upper neck and then down the body. Infected people are usually contagious from about 4 days before their rash starts to 4 days afterwards.

The GOOD news is Measles can be PREVENTED! Contact your local Health Department in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens or Whitfield County for vaccination against measles and many other preventable diseases... Just click on the name of your county to find them! Look below to learn more about measles.

Get more information about measles from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also, click on each Measles informational document down below from the Georgia Department of Public Health to view the full pdf and to download and print:

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Millions of people get sick from norovirus each year. It causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea, and spreads quickly and easily to other people. If you think you have norovirus, stay hydrated and take steps to keep it from spreading.

Norovirus is very contagious. When you are sick with norovirus, you can shed billions of virus particles in your vomit and poop. It only takes a few of these particles to make someone sick.

You are most contagious

• when you have symptoms of norovirus illness, especially vomiting
• during the first few days after you recover from norovirus illness.

However, you may still be able to spread norovirus for two weeks or more after you feel better.  

You Can Spread Norovirus in Many Ways

If you are sick with norovirus, you can spread it to other people by having close contact, such as by caring for, preparing food, or sharing food or eating utensils with them. You can also spread norovirus to others by contaminating surfaces.

Take Steps to Keep Norovirus from Spreading

• Wash your hands.
  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, and always before eating or preparing food.
• Handle and prepare food safely.
  Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating.

If you are sick with norovirus, do not prepare food for others while you have symptoms and for at least 2 days after symptoms go away.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces.
  After you vomit or have diarrhea, immediately clean up the entire area using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label. If no such cleaning product is available, you can use a solution made with 5 tablespoons to 1.5 cups of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
• Wash laundry thoroughly.
  Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may have vomit or poop on it. Handle items carefully—try not to agitate them. If available, wear disposable gloves to handle soiled clothing or linens, and wash your hands after. Wash soiled items with detergent and hot water at the maximum available cycle length then machine dry them at the highest heat setting.

Norovirus Symptoms

Most people who get sick from norovirus will have these symptoms:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• nausea
• stomach pain

Some people may also have a fever, headache, or body aches.

Norovirus can be more serious for young children, the elderly, and people with other health conditions. It can lead to severe dehydration, hospitalization and even death. To learn how to stay hydrated see norovirus treatment.

Most people sick with norovirus get better in 1 to 3 days.

Norovirus is Common

19 to 21 million people get sick with norovirus each year in the United States. A person will get norovirus about 5 times during their lifetime. People of all ages can get norovirus.

You can get norovirus any time of the year, it is most common from November to April when outbreaks occur. Learn more about U.S. Trends and Outbreaks.

Chatsworth (GA) – A Chatsworth dog fought and killed a raccoon that has now tested positive for rabies. The dog is current on its rabies vaccinations so will only need a booster shot and to undergo a 45-day quarantine at home, but health officials are warning neighbors that multiple raccoons have been spotted near the property where the incident occurred and to take extra precautions against rabies.

Murray County Environmental Health Manager Jason Baum said on Wednesday, January 2, a resident on Center Hill Church Road in Chatsworth reported that the dog living at the residence had gotten into a fight with the raccoon on the property and killed it.

The Georgia Public Health Laboratory informed health officials that the raccoon tested positive for rabies.

There was no human exposure in this incident.

Baum and his staff have distributed to neighboring homes in the area fliers that alert residents to the exposure and urge them to get pets boosted or vaccinated against rabies.

Murray County residents can get more information about rabies and its prevention by calling their county environmental health office at (706) 695-0266, or by logging on to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website page, Rabies Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rabies/public/index.html.

Last year, Georgia experienced one of the worst flu seasons in recent history. This year, even before the typical peak of flu season, the CDC reports that Georgia is already experiencing high and widespread numbers of flu-like illnesses and confirmed cases.

Don’t fall victim to the flu, North Georgians – vaccinate before it’s too late!

North Georgia Health District officials urge residents to vaccinate before the peak of flu season, which usually begins in this region by mid-January and lasts through the end of February, possibly longer. It takes a couple of weeks for flu vaccine to reach its full protective potential within the body, so now is a critical time to get the shot for those who still need one.

Influenza can be a serious disease that leads to hospitalization and sometimes death. Regardless of race, age, gender or ethnicity, anyone can get sick from the flu. Those especially at risk are adults 65 years of age and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or other long-term medical conditions. 

Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu, but flu vaccine is the best protection.

Both regular quadrivalent flu vaccine, which protects against the four strains of flu virus that are most commonly circulating this season, and high dose flu vaccine for people age 65 and older are available at local health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties (click on the name of your county for health department contact information). The health departments accept several forms of health insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid so that vaccination is cost-free to the client. For people without healthcare coverage, regular flu vaccine is $25 and high dose flu vaccine is $65. 

Symptoms of seasonal flu may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, tiredness and/or muscle aches. People who might have flu –particularly if they are in the groups listed above at risk for severe disease and complications – should seek medical care and start antiviral medication as soon as possible.

In addition to a flu shot, there are simple things anyone can do to help prevent getting or spreading the flu:

• Wash your hands and your children’s hands frequently, especially after contact with other people.
• Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue afterward, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve if no tissues are available.
• Clean your hands after you cough or sneeze, even if you use a tissue. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available and your hands are not visibly dirty.
• When possible, stay home if you get the flu.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

But most importantly, before flu season peaks, people should make it a top priority to go to or call their county health department or health care provider to be vaccinated. For more information on immunization, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website at http://dph.georgia.gov/influenza-what-you-need-know.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!

Get Screened at your Public Health Department in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens or Whitfield County.

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

                         (Click Here                                                             Click Here                                                         (Click Here                      .

You can prevent cervical cancer by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21.

“I was busy working, traveling, and enjoying life. I completely forgot to pay attention to my health,” said actress Cote de Pablo. “Too much time passed since my last Pap.

“By the time I was tested, things didn’t look too good. We thought I might have cervical cancer.

“I was lucky! After lots of worries—no cancer.

“I’ve always been very close to my mother. When we finally got good results, she broke down. And that’s when I realized it’s not just about me. It’s about your loved ones, too. Get checked for cervical cancer.”

Screening Tests

Two tests(https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm) help prevent cervical cancer(https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/) or find it early—

• The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
• The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.

Screening Options

You should get your first Pap test at age 21. If your test result is normal, you can wait three years for your next test.

If you’re 30 years old or older, you have three options—

• You can continue getting a Pap test only. If your test result is normal, you can wait three years for your next test.
• You can get an HPV test only. If your test result is normal, you can wait five years for your next test.
• You can get both an HPV and Pap test together. If your test results are normal, you can wait five years for your next tests.

If you have a low income or do not have health insurance, you may be able to get free or low-cost cervical cancer screening through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Find out if you qualify.(https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm)

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine(https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine.html) protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. HPV can also cause cancers of the penis in men, and anal and head and neck cancers in both men and women.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls who are 11 to 12 years old, but can be given as early as age 9 and until age 26.

Make an appointment today for your or your child’s vaccination. If you don’t have insurance, or your insurance does not cover vaccines, CDC’s Vaccines for Children program(https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/index.html) may be able to help.

Learn More About Cervical Cancer

CDC’s Inside Knowledge: Get the Facts About Gynecologic Cancer campaign has many resources for women. Watch the new Knowledge Is Power: Cervical Cancer video and check out the Inside Knowledge symptoms diary,(https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/knowledge/publications/symptoms_diaries.htm) cervical cancer fact sheet,(https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/knowledge/publications/fact_sheets.htm) and survivor stories.

By Raymond King, Director of Environmental Health, North Georgia Health District 1-2

Recent rains have led to flooding in many areas of north Georgia. Once floodwaters have receded and the most immediate safety hazards have passed, it will be time to address the secondary health issues that can develop as a result of floodwater pollutants.

Be sure to protect your home, family and business by following these environmental health guidelines.

Keep Away from Floodwaters
Avoid any contact with floodwaters, such as swimming, after a flood. Floodwaters can contain large amounts of contaminants of all kinds, which can be hazardous. Fishing and other non-contact activities would not be affected.

Sanitize Flooded Areas

Floors, walls, equipment and furniture that have been covered with floodwaters should be cleaned and sanitized to kill any bacteria or viruses. Wear gloves, eye protection and boots when working with contaminated areas and items. Items should be cleaned with soap and water, rinsed and then sanitized with a solution of a quarter cup of household bleach and one gallon of water. Do not mix bleach with any ammonia product and work in well-ventilated areas.

Mold

Mold is the most long-lasting effect of flooding. Unless a home's structural materials are completely dried, mold will grow behind the walls and under the floors. Do not replace sheet rock and other materials until the wood is dry, or mold will grow. If mold is already growing, spray the area with a household bleach solution. Keep the area vented and wear eye protection, gloves and boots. Contact your local county environmental health staff for more information about mold.

Well and Spring Contamination

If a well or spring was covered with floodwaters, it must be considered contaminated. Do not drink or prepare foods with water from a well until it is disinfected and tested. Buy bottled water to drink and use for cooking.

The first recovery step is to pump out the well thoroughly, letting it run for at least 24 hours or until the water has no obvious color or smell. An outside faucet may be left on to run slowly for long periods of time so no damage will occur to the well pump.

Disinfect well water systems with two gallons of plain household bleach. Remember to not drink, bathe or cook with the water while bleach is in the system. Pour the bleach into the well or spring. Run all faucets until the bleach smell comes through in the water, then shut them off. Let the bleach stay in the water system for at least eight hours. To rid the system of bleach, turn on an outside faucet and let it run until all the bleach is gone, which may take 24 hours or longer. Only use an outside faucet to discharge the bleach water. Once the bleach is gone, make sure that the well or springhouse is sealed.

It may take two or more bleach disinfection procedures to rid the well or spring of contamination. For more information, contact the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office in your county.

Septic System Failures

In most cases of septic system failure, the only thing that can be done is to wait for the water levels in the soil to fall. If sewage comes to the top of the ground, the tank could be pumped for temporary relief. Usually, it does not take long for the system to function properly again. If flooding washed away the soil around the system, the system may need to be repaired or replaced. Call the local environmental health office with questions about a septic system.

Spoiled Food and Food Poisoning

If any floodwaters have touched foods, throw them out. If the temperature in a refrigerator was at 60 degrees or higher for more than two hours, do not eat the food inside. There's no reliable way to tell if food will make you sick by looking at it or smelling it. When in doubt, throw it out.

More information

For more information about preventing health hazards after a flood, please call your local environmental health office (see contact info by clicking on above LOCATIONS tab) or visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. 

Stock photo

Ellijay, GA – Gilmer County Environmental Health officials are urging residents near the intersection of Boardtown Road and Chatsworth Highway in Ellijay, Georgia to call for a rabies risk assessment if they or their children may have been in contact with an orange tabby cat that has now tested positive for rabies.

The phone number for local environmental health is (706) 635-6050, or if calling after hours, the Georgia Poison Control Center toll-free number is 1-800-222-1222.

On Monday, December 3^rd, a local resident picked up the cat after finding it in their carport. The cat was behaving sickly and dragging its back legs.

The county environmental health office was notified and sent the cat to the Georgia Department of Public Health Laboratory for rabies testing on Tuesday. The lab confirmed the animal was positive for rabies on Wednesday. 

Since the resident who handled the cat was not bitten or scratched, no treatment was required, and no other human exposure is known, at this time. However, environmental health staff will be canvassing that area today, distributing notices to residents to call them or the Georgia Poison Control Center if they or their children were potentially in contact with the cat within the past two weeks.

Residents are also being notified that several stray cats are in that area, and these cats should be avoided due to the high risk of rabies exposure.

All residents are urged to avoid wild or feral animals and to maintain rabies vaccinations in pets. If a pet receives an initial one-year vaccine, it can receive a three-year rabies vaccination the following year.

A bite or scratch from any wild mammal should cause concern and be reported to a health care provider and the local environmental health office.

Children should be warned to avoid contact with wild animals and any stray dog or cat, and they should report any contact with these animals to an adult right away.

For more information about rabies and its prevention, log onto the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

 Our health departments in North Georgia provide a variety of Children's Health Care services!

Health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties provide health care services to children from birth to 21 years of age. The goal is to give your child the best care available by providing services from an experienced and dedicated staff.

Just a few of these provided services are mentioned below - to learn more about other services for children provided at your county health department in North Georgia, click on the name of your county in the above paragraph:

• Immunizations for children
• Immunizations for child caregivers
• Hearing, vision and dental screenings
• Car seat education program

School Health Requirements are Easily Available at Health Departments in North Georgia

Ensure your child meets all Georgia's health requirements for school registration....  Click here to view all the state's school health requirements, and then call or come to your county public health department in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens or Whitfield County to get your child up-to-date! This is your one-stop spot to take care of all your student's school health requirements. The health departments offer the required Hearing, Dental and Vision screening, BMI/Nutrition screening and Immunizations. Prices are affordable and various forms of Medicaid and health insurance are accepted. 

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The following is an overview of services provided for Children With Special Needs at our County Health Departments in North Georgia. For general information about each of these services, please read below - for access to more indepth information, click right HERE!

Children’s Medical Services

Referrals to Children’s Medical Services are provided throughout the year for families who are financially unable to obtain specialized medical care in various areas such as hearing, neurology, cardiac, plastic surgery, orthopedic, and follow-up burn care.

Babies Can't Wait (BCW)

Babies Can't Wait is Georgia's early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities and for their families.

Children 1st

Children 1st identifies children who are at risk for poor health and developmental outcomes so that needed interventions can be made to ensure the best health and development of the child.

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Click HERE to learn about Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services and see if you are eligible to sign up for WIC!

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Go HERE to learn about our DENTAL SERVICES for Children provided at many of our health departments in North Georgia!