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- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Press Room
Protect Yourself and Your Family From Cyclosporiasis - Take Precautions When Handling Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE: Updated
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to take extra precautions when purchasing, preparing, and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables to help prevent cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal disease. At this time, DPH is not aware of any Georgia-specific outbreaks, clusters, or potential links to the outbreak that has sickened more than a thousand people across multiple states. Investigation into common sources nationally is ongoing.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite – Cyclospora. People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite. Treated water in the U.S. does not contain Cyclospora. Although domestically acquired cases occur in Georgia every year, typically most cyclosporiasis cases in the state are associated with international travel.
The most common symptom is watery diarrhea and explosive bowel movements. Bloating, cramping, or loss of appetite can also occur. Most people with cyclosporiasis recover on their own; however, hospitalizations can occur when patients are dehydrated from diarrhea caused by the infection. The illness may last from a few days to over a month. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times. In extended cases, people are encouraged to check with their healthcare provider. (See how to prevent Cyclosporiasis below)
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
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Our Health District office and all our county public health facilities and programs, including Health Departments, Environmental Health offices, CWSN and WIC services, in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, and The Living Bridge Center Ryan White HIV Clinics in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville, will be CLOSED on Friday, July 3rd, in celebration of our Nation's 250th Independence Day (July 4th).
All our public health services will resume on Monday, the 6th.
Have a safe, Healthy, and HAPPY Fourth of July!
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- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Media Releases
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Please note: The North Georgia Health District offices and all public health facilities in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties will be closed tomorrow, Friday, July 3rd, but we look forward to resuming our services on Monday, July 6!
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 2, 2026
Celebrate the Nation's
250th Birthday
Stay Safe and Healthy this 4th of July!
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) wants it to be a safe and healthy 4th of July for all Georgians and visitors to the state. Temperatures will be in the low to mid-90s, so be sure to stay well hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.
At the beach, barbecuing, or watching fireworks, below are some tips on staying safe while having fun this weekend and throughout the summer.
HEAT AND SUN can cause skin damage, skin cancer, and serious illness, but there are ways to enjoy the summer and stay protected.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 that protects your skin from both UVA and UVA rays
- Reapply sunscreen if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water! Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine and sugar.
- Find places out of the sun to cool off.
- Avoid strenuous activity; take breaks.
- Never leave children or pets in a hot car.
- Check on family members, older adults, and neighbors.
- Call 911 if someone has signs of heatstroke:
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- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- For more information, please visit the CDC’s Heat Health web page. Read more DPH Guidance below....
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- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
National HIV Testing Day Encourages Awareness, Prevention, and Early Detection
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Each year on June 27, National HIV Testing Day highlights the importance of knowing your HIV status and taking steps to protect your health. The annual observance encourages individuals to get tested, learn about prevention options, and connect with care and treatment services if needed. According to HIV.gov, HIV testing is the first step in prevention, treatment, and living a healthy life, and everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare.
“The North Georgia Health District is committed to helping end the HIV epidemic and ensuring our communities have easy access to the services they need,” said K. Mills McNeill, MD, PhD, District Health Director. “National HIV Testing Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about getting tested and taking control of your health.”
HIV testing is available year-round through all seven of our public health department locations across the six-county North Georgia Health District, comprised of Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, as well as through The Living Bridge Center (TLBC) Ryan White HIV Clinics in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville. This service is fast, confidential, and available at little to no cost at each of our clinics.
Find locations and Monday-through-Friday hours of operation for our county health departments and The Living Bridge Center clinics by clicking the county and city names linked above.
Also visit www.nghd.org to learn about the full range of public health services offered through our health district and county health departments, and go to nghd.org/tlbc-home to find the state-of-the-art public health HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services provided at The Living Bridge Center (TLBC) clinics.
Learn more about National HIV Testing Day at www.hiv.gov/events/awareness-days/hiv-testing-day.
By working together, we can ALL help end the HIV epidemic and support healthier futures for everyone.
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- Be Wary of Unpermitted Roadside Food Vendors
- Closed Friday in Observance of Juneteenth
- Back To School Health Screenings & Immunizations Are Now Available!
- Memorial Day Observance, May 25th
- North Georgia Health District Promotes STI Awareness Week, April 12–18
- CLOSED on Good Friday, April 3rd
- Cherokee County Health Department in Woodstock Now Offering Child Well Check Visits for Ages 3 to 20
- Delayed Opening for Gilmer County Public Health, Tues., March 17
- Weather-Related Delayed Openings in Gilmer and Pickens Counties, Mon., 3/16
- Murray County Health Department Closed Tues., Feb 24