West Nile Virus Infections Increasing in Georgia
Georgians Urged to Protect Themselves from Mosquito Bites
West Nile Virus Infections Increasing in Georgia: DPH Urges Georgians to Protect from Mosquito Bites
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- 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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- Details
- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Media Releases
August 19, 2026
DPH Confirms Measles Case in Georgia
MMR Vaccine is Safe and Effective in Preventing Measles
Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed measles in an unvaccinated resident of metro Atlanta. At this time, there is no known travel history or exposure to someone infected with measles. DPH is working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the individual while the individual was infectious.
Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective, and parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule can consult their physician. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. For babies aged 6-11 months traveling internationally, the CDC recommends a single dose of the MMR vaccine before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.
Read the full press release at https://dph.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-08-18/dph-confirms-measles-case-georgia-mmr-vaccine-safe-and-effective.
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NOTE: MMR Vaccine is Available at all our County Health Departments in the North Georgia Health District. Contact the one nearest you at www.nghd.org.
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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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- National HIV Testing Day is June 27th
- 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
- Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, Jan. 20th
- Closed for MLK Day on Mon., Jan. 20th
- Update: Delayed Openings and Closures in the North Georgia Health District Have Ended