West Nile Virus Infections Increasing in Georgia
Georgians Urged to Protect Themselves from Mosquito Bites
- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
North GA - In observance of the state holiday, all Public Health Facilities in North Georgia Health District 1-2 in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties will be closed Monday, October 12.⠀
This includes:
• All County Health Departments
• Environmental Health offices
• Children with Special Needs services
• WIC offices
• The District office
• The Living Bridge Center clinics in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville
⠀
Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, October 13. Thank you!
- Hits: 59
- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
North Georgia Health District 1-2
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rabies Vaccine Bait Drops Scheduled for Parts of North Georgia
NORTH GA — Residents in parts of Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties may notice low-flying aircraft this October as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) distributes oral rabies vaccine baits to help protect raccoons and prevent the spread of rabies.
Helicopter distribution was scheduled to begin on or about October 7, 2026, including in Dalton and Tunnel Hill. Airplane distribution across the broader vaccination area is scheduled to begin on or about October 20, 2026. Aerial bait drops are expected to last about one week.
More than 500,000 vaccine baits will be distributed across the broader Georgia vaccination area. The baits are small packets containing liquid vaccine, coated with an oily, fish-scented substance that attracts raccoons. Each bait displays a toll-free information number.
If you find a bait:
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Leave it alone so wildlife can find it.
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If an intact bait must be moved, wear gloves or use a towel to place it in nearby woods or brush. Wash your hands afterward.
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Do not try to remove a bait from your pet’s mouth. You could be bitten and exposed to the vaccine. Eating several baits may cause temporary stomach upset in pets.
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If you come into contact with the liquid vaccine, wash the affected area immediately and contact your local health department for guidance.
For questions about the bait drops, call USDA at 1-866-487-3297 or visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/national-wildlife-programs/rabies.
To find public health services, find your local North Georgia county health department at www.nghd.org.
Please note: 2026 Fall ORV Notification Letter
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- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
TURN AWARENESS INTO ACTION: IT'S TIME to Prioritize Breast Cancer Screening This October
North Georgia Health Departments Offer Free Breast Exams and Mammogram Referrals
North Georgia – Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink—it is a powerful reminder to understand your risk, recognize changes in your breasts, and make recommended screenings a priority.
It’s Time to detect breast cancer early, North Georgia!
Throughout the year, public health departments in the North Georgia Health District, which include Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, provide free or low-cost breast exams and referrals for mammograms to women ages 40 through 64, as well as to any woman who has noticed a concerning change in her breast or breasts. Appointments are generally required for these services.
However, in October, the health departments will host or participate in special Breast Cancer Awareness Month events. These events will offer Free Breast Exams without an appointment, and each will feature information and activities designed to increase awareness, encourage earlier detection, and make potentially life-saving screenings more accessible.
Finding breast cancer early can make an extraordinary difference.
One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. also reports:
- Aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
- Breast cancer accounts for approximately 30% of all newly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States.
- On average, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every two minutes.
- Approximately 66% of breast cancer cases are discovered at the localized stage—before the cancer has spread beyond the breast and when it is most treatable.
- Breast cancer diagnosed at the localized stage has a five-year relative survival rate of 99%.
- Approximately 15% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.
- A woman whose mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer is nearly twice as likely to develop it herself.
Women who meet certain eligibility requirements may receive free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings at our health departments through Georgia’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Click here to learn about the program and determine whether you may qualify.
Do not let Breast Cancer Awareness Month pass without taking a step for your health. Learn your risk, pay attention to changes in your breasts, and talk with our health department professionals or your healthcare provider about the screenings recommended for you.
Review the upcoming October events listed below and take advantage of the breast cancer education and screening opportunities offered at our health departments in North Georgia!
This October, IT'S TIME to turn awareness into action—because taking time for your breast health could save your life.
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West Nile Virus Infections Increasing in Georgia: DPH Urges Georgians to Protect from Mosquito Bites
- Details
- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Media Releases
September 16, 2026
Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE
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ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed eight human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2026, but that number is expected to increase. DPH has also confirmed one WNV death. Mosquito traps have tested positive in multiple counties, including Chatham, Fulton, and DeKalb. Mosquito season typically lasts through October, so Georgians are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. Others may have mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash that typically develop 2-6 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. The elderly, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those with other underlying medical conditions are at greater risk for severe complications from the disease, including infection of the central nervous system.
DPH recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET (20%- 30%), Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Wear light-colored clothing, including loose-fitting long sleeves, pants, and socks, to help protect against mosquito bites. Mosquitoes bite day and night, so no matter what time you’re outside, remember to use insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites.
One of the most effective ways of controlling the mosquito population starts in your yard. After every rainfall, or at least once a week, drain containers that hold water to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and prevent the spread of illness. Tip out standing water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools, and buckets. Make sure doors and windows fit tightly and are in good repair to keep mosquitoes out.
Anyone with questions about WNV illness should speak to their healthcare provider or call their county health department. For more information about WNV, visit https://cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/index.html.
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- DPH Confirms Measles Case in Georgia
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- Be Wary of Unpermitted Roadside Food Vendors
- CLOSED on Good Friday, April 3rd
- Cherokee County Health Department in Woodstock Now Offering Child Well Check Visits for Ages 3 to 20
- North Georgians Fueled Their Immunity at Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinics
- Murray County Health Department Closed Thurs., 10/2, and Fri., 10/3
- Celebrating Excellence: Wendy Scoggins Named Environmental Health All-Star for District 1-2