NORTH GEORGIA HEALTH DISTRICT

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    NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                 CONTACT:

April 6, 2016                                                                                  Nancy Nydam                        

                                                                                                                    (404) 657-2462

 

Protect Against Mosquito Bites During and After Travel

DPH and Hartsfield-Jackson Partner to Prevent Zika Spread

 

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) in collaboration with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is urging travelers to protect themselves from mosquito bites and help prevent the spread of Zika virus. As of this date, no locally transmitted Zika cases have been reported in Georgia or anywhere in the United States, but cases have been reported in returning travelers.

     The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued travel warnings for 41 countries and some U.S. territories where there is ongoing Zika virus transmission, and that list continues to grow. There are many Georgia companies with worldwide business interests which necessitate frequent travel to these areas. In addition, many of these places are popular tourist destinations, including the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Rio.

     “As the region’s global gateway we believe it is our responsibility to work with our health partners to educate the public about Zika virus,” said Miguel Southwell, general manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “The safety and security of our guests and employees at Hartsfield-Jackson is a top priority. “

     Signs have been placed throughout the airport, at the U.S. Customs area, and at baggage claim alerting travelers about Zika virus and offering protection and prevention measures when traveling to Zika-affected areas. At the request of ATL and DPH, airport concessionaires have stocked and made available for purchase EPA-registered insect repellents. Travelers should be aware that insect repellents with at least 20% to 30% DEET are recommended and not all products containing DEET meet that standard, particularly those sold outside of the United States.

     There are urgent concerns about Zika virus infection being passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy and a link to birth defects. Pregnant women should not travel to areas where there is Zika virus transmission. Studies also are ongoing to determine if there is a link between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome and other neurological disorders. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika.

     “I understand that travel to Zika-affected areas will continue, but what I ask is that individuals protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D., commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health. “Most people with Zika virus never know they are infected so it is important for everyone going to countries where there are Zika outbreaks to guard against mosquito bites while they travel and after they return.”

     Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Both species are found in Georgia. Individuals should continue to use EPA-registered insect repellents for three weeks after returning home from travel to Zika affected countries. Even if they do not feel sick, travelers returning to Georgia from an area with Zika should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks so they do not spread Zika to local, uninfected mosquitoes.

     To learn more about Zika protection and prevention, visit dph.ga.gov/zika or cdc.gov/zika. For a list of EPA-registered insect repellents, go to epa.gov/insect-repellents.

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About the Georgia Department of Public Health

The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters from a health perspective. In 2011, the General Assembly restored DPH to its own state agency after more than 30 years of consolidation with other departments. At the state level, DPH functions through numerous divisions, sections, programs and offices. Locally, DPH funds and collaborates with Georgia's 159 county health departments and 18 public health districts. Through the changes, the mission has remained constant – to protect the lives of all Georgians. Today, DPH’s main functions include: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Disease and Immunization, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Emergency Medical Services, Pharmacy, Nursing, Volunteer Health Care, the Office of Health Equity, Vital Records, and the State Public Health Laboratory. For more information about DPH, visit www.dph.ga.gov.

 

Nancy Nydam

Acting Director of Communications

Georgia Department of Public Health

2 Peachtree St. N.W. 15th Floor

Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3142

404-657-2462

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Two Unvaccinated Dogs Euthanized

Ellijay (GA) – Gilmer County Environmental Health officials have reported that three local dogs were recently exposed to rabies when they came into contact with infected raccoons in two separate incidents.

The first dog that was exposed was previously vaccinated for rabies, so it only required a booster shot and to be home-quarantined for 12 weeks. However, since there was no proof that the other two dogs had been vaccinated, the owner of those dogs chose to have them euthanized.

There was no human exposure in either incident.

Raccoon on treeAccording to Andrea Martin, manager of Gilmer County Environmental Health, the first exposure occurred in the afternoon of March 11 in the Big Creek Road/Scrougetown Road vicinity, when a Labrador retriever attacked and killed a raccoon. The owner of the dog took both the dog and the body of the raccoon to a local veterinarian, who gave the dog a rabies booster shot and reported the incident to Martin.

“The raccoon was shipped for rabies testing to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory on March 14th and the positive results were reported on March 16th,” said Martin. “I notified the owner of the results and it was agreed the dog should receive the booster shot and be quarantined under general home observation for 12 weeks. I will be checking on the dog and its health during this period; plus, I explained to the owner our home observation protocol and the signs and symptoms of rabies, which generally begin with behavior that is simply unusual for that particular animal.”*

 

The second incident took place in the afternoon of March 13 in the Blackberry Mountain Road area of east Gilmer County.

A raccoon ran into a residential yard where two mix-breed Labrador retrievers fought and killed the animal. The dogs’ owner contacted Gilmer County Environmental Health on March 14, and the raccoon was shipped to the state public health lab later that day. The positive results for rabies were reported on March 16, and the two dogs were euthanized that afternoon.

“It’s heartbreaking when an owner has to make that tough decision,” said Martin. “That is why we constantly urge residents to keep rabies vaccinations current in their pets.”

Additionally, health officials advise residents to be wary of unfamiliar animals, wild or tame, that exhibit unusual behavior and report them to animal control or the county environmental health office.

 

The public is also urged to report to them any attacks or bites by a stray or wild animal.

If bitten, individuals are advised to thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water, and seek immediate medical attention. If a pet is bitten, the owner should seek veterinary assistance for the animal right away.  The health care provider and/or the veterinarian will need to know the following to assess the risk of rabies exposure:

  • The geographic location of the incident
  • The type of animal that was involved
  • How the exposure occurred (provoked or unprovoked)
  • The vaccination status of the animal (if known)
  • Whether the animal can be safely captured and tested for rabies

For more information about rabies and its prevention, contact the local county environmental health office. In Gilmer County, the phone number is (706) 635-6050. Information is also available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at *www.cdc.gov/rabies.

BCCP ladies-4webNorth GeorgiaTimely Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and diagnostics are being provided to women ages 50 to 64 at public health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties.

Currently, North Georgia Health District 1-2 of the Georgia Department of Public Health is offering Clinical Breast Exams, Mammograms and Follow-up Consultations at LOW or NO cost to all women ages 50 to 64 who have limited annual income, limited health insurance or no health insurance.

  • Let us help you know your personal risks and risks based on family history.
  • Screening includes family health history, self-breast exam, clinical breast exam and mammography.
  • Learn how to know your own breasts through periodic self-examination and breast observation.
  • Discover how you can make healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise and tobacco cessation.

Learn more at www.nghd.org or call your county health department. (Click on LOCATIONS tab above for health department phone numbers.)

Recognizing National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

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In recognition of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), the North Georgia Health District will conduct Free Rapid HIV Testing at Dalton State College in the Sequoyah Hall foyer on Tuesday, March 15th from 10 AM to 3 PM. Additional free services will include prevention kits and pre- and post-test counseling.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an annual observance that sheds light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls. Every year on March 10, and throughout the month of March, federal, national, and community organizations come together to show support for women and girls impacted by HIV and AIDS. This year marks the 11th observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Today, about one in four people living with HIV in the United States is female. Only about half of women living with HIV are getting care, and only four in 10 of them have the virus under control. Women face unique HIV risks and challenges that can prevent them from getting needed care and treatment. Addressing these issues remains critical to achieving an HIV- and AIDS-free generation.

The 2016 theme is “The Best Defense Is a Good Offense.” Whether you’re actively dating or are in a committed relationship, you can take these simple, effective steps to help prevent HIV infection for you and your partner:

  • Use condoms every time you have sex.
  • Get an HIV test, which is free and confidential.
  • Be monogamous.
  • Do not abuse alcohol or drugs

For more information about the free HIV testing at Dalton State College, call (706) 281-2360.