NORTH GEORGIA HEALTH DISTRICT

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    NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Category: Media Releases
Ellijay (GA) – Gilmer County Environmental Health officials have reported that five local residents were either exposed or potentially exposed to rabies in separate incidents on July 4th.
 
According to Andrea Martin, manager of Gilmer County Environmental Health, the first exposure took place mid-morning of the 4th as a couple in the Mountain Creek Hollow subdivision in Talking Rock, Georgia was attacked by a raccoon. The wife was bitten and scratched by the raccoon on her leg, and then as the husband fought off the animal, he was also scratched.
 
The couple immediately went to Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper to receive treatment while two of their neighbors searched for the raccoon in the subdivision.
 
Soon, the neighbors spotted the raccoon as it ran out of the garage of a nearby home after having attacked the homeowner, who then kicked the animal with his leg. One of the neighbors shot and killed the raccoon and turned it over to Martin on Monday.
 
“The Department of Natural Resources called to report the incident early Monday morning,” Martin said. “I immediately went to pick up the raccoon to prepare it for shipment to the state public health lab for rabies testing.”
 
Later on Monday, another incident was reported to Martin that had also happened on July 4th and involved a bat in the Coosawattee River Resort community.
 
Martin stated, “A resident was on his front porch early that evening when he spotted the bat in a recessed lighting fixture. He first tried to shoo the bat away with a broom, but when it didn’t budge, his adult son, who was visiting the home that day, turned on the light and the bat flew out and around to the back of the house.”
 
Later that night, the wife who lives in the home went through doors leading to the back porch from a guest room that remains closed to the rest of the house. When entering back inside the room, she saw a dead bat on the floor.
 
“It is believed this was the same bat that had earlier flown from the front porch to the back of the house and had died while clinging to the doors leading to the back porch from that guestroom,” said Martin. “Then, when the wife opened the doors, it fell inside without her noticing it until she walked back into the room. The husband, using very protective precautions, picked up the dead bat and brought it to me on Monday.”
 
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Category: Media Releases
One-Stop-Spot for Schools' State Health Requirements
 
School will be back in session before you know it! Is your child ready? The Whitfield County Health Department will conduct two Back-to-School Health Clinics to help get them ready. Join us at the health departmenBack_To_School_Whitfield_2015_poster-sm.jpgt from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on either Tuesday, July 28th or Tuesday, August 4th.
 
At the Whitfield County Health Department Back-to-School Health Clinics, the required Hearing, Dental, Vision and BMI/Nutrition Screenings will be available: Total cost for screenings is forty dollars. Also, immunizations will be provided for school-age children (there is a charge for vaccines). Acceptable methods of payment are Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield (immunizations only), Peachcare, WellCare, Amerigroup, PeachState, Cigna and Aetna Insurance.
 
The Whitfield County Health Department is located at 800 Professional Boulevard in Dalton. For more information, call (706) 226-2621.
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Category: Media Releases

Don't Wait. Vaccinate.

Your Child is Depending on YOU!

 

Child_Immunization.jpgCould your child be missing a vaccination? It is vital that children are kept current on their immunizations. A child’s immune system is more vulnerable than that of most adults, and without vaccinations, many children would suffer or even die from the severe effects of diseases such as measles, pertussis and influenza. Plus, the new school year will soon begin and it is a state requirement that children are current on their vaccinations to enter. Contact your local health department or private physician to find out which vaccinations your child may need. Also, many local health care providers and county health departments send follow-up immunization reminders to parents… Make sure your child’s health care provider has your current contact information so you will receive these timely reminders! For more information about immunization schedules, log onto the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website at dph.georgia.gov/immunization-schedules.

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Category: Media Releases

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Georgia Department of Public Health Warns:

Heat Exhaustion, Hot Cars and Overexposure to Sun Pose Significant Threats

heat_wave_230515.jpgATLANTA – With temperatures expected to be in the mid 90’s throughout the state for the next several days, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and sun and to limit strenuous outdoor activity to prevent heat related illnesses.

“Extreme heat can lead to very high body temperatures, brain and organ damage, even death,” said DPH Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D. “It’s important to stay cool and hydrated in extreme temperatures to avoid serious health effects like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

Heat stroke is a serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater than 105 degrees. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. Onset of heat stroke can be rapid; serious symptoms can occur within minutes. Treatment involves the rapid lowering of body temperature using a cool bath or wet towels. Keep victims of heat stroke in a cool area and immediately call 911.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat stroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea or headache. Victims may also vomit or faint. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. Those on a low-sodium diet or with other health problems should contact a doctor.

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  1. North Georgia Health District Office is Moving!
  2. FREE HIV Testing in Dalton on June 25!
  3. Two Back-to-School Health Clinics available in Cherokee County this July
  4. Immunization Requirements for 7th Graders
  5. Case of Active Tuberculosis confirmed in Whitfield County
  6. Know these TB Facts from the CDC
  7. Measles Questions & Answers for Parents and Caregivers
  8. Meet Cheri Holden, Pickens County Nurse Manager
  9. Dog protects Pickens County woman from rabid raccoon
  10. Third rabies case confirmed in Fannin

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