- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Press Room
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May is recognized as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the United States, with May 19th specifically designated as Hepatitis Testing Day. Each year during this month, the North Georgia Health District works diligently to bring attention to the impact of viral hepatitis, advocating for testing and vaccination. By promoting awareness and combatting social stigma, our efforts during Hepatitis Awareness Month aim to enhance public understanding of viral hepatitis transmission and risk factors.
Key Points on Viral Hepatitis: Various viruses can cause hepatitis, with hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C being the most common types.
- Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C are major contributors to liver cancer in the U.S.
- Hepatitis A and hepatitis B can be prevented through safe and effective vaccines, while hepatitis C is curable with prescribed treatment.
- The CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B for all adults up to age 59, and for older adults with risk factors. Individuals aged 60 or older without risk factors may opt for vaccination.
- A significant percentage of people with hepatitis B and hepatitis C are unaware of their infection, highlighting the importance of testing.
- The CDC advises all adults to undergo testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime, with pregnant women recommended to be tested during each pregnancy. Testing is crucial for identifying and managing hepatitis infections.
These guidelines and facts underscore the critical need for vigilance in preventing and managing viral hepatitis, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes and reducing the burden of these diseases.
Find more information about Hepatitis and Hepatitis Awareness Month at www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/awareness/HepatitisAwarenessMonth.htm
- Born between 1945 and 1965
- Current or past injection drug use
- Sharing drug equipment
- HIV positive
- Received blood transfusions before 1992
- Received clotting factors before 1987
- Sexual partner of a Hepatitis C positive individual
- Received tattoos or piercings in unprofessional settings
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- Written by Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
Jasper, GA – On Friday, April 19, the Pickens County Environmental Health office was notified that two residents were attacked by a rabies-infected stray cat in the Bethany-Salem area. The incident occurred at a home in the vicinity of Mountain Lake Drive off Henderson Mountain Road, prompting immediate action from county Animal Control.
Upon investigating the incident, Animal Control discovered that the same stray cat that attacked the two individuals in the Mountain Lake Drive area had also bitten another person nearby in the area of South Woods Court. Suspecting rabies, Animal Control took the cat to a local veterinarian for testing.
Subsequent tests confirmed the cat's positive rabies status. Therefore, all three bite victims are now undergoing necessary post-exposure treatment. Reports of stray cats in the area have raised concerns, prompting Pickens County Environmental Health officials to issue an alert urging residents to be vigilant.
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- Written by Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
Vaccines for Your Children
Click HERE to learn more from the CDC about the importance of on-time Vaccines for Your Children and how you can keep them on track!
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- Written by Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
Ver opción en Español en la parte superior de esta página
The 2022 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Surveillance Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the critical importance of addressing STIs (sexually transmitted infections) as a public health priority. In the United States, over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported.
According to CDC estimates, approximately 20% of the U.S. population, or one in five people, had an STI on any given day in 2018. The health care costs associated with STIs acquired that year amounted to nearly $16 billion.
STI Awareness Week aims to raise awareness about STIs, reduce stigma, fear, and discrimination, and provide information on prevention, testing, and treatment. Go to www.cdc.gov/std/saw/about.htm to learn how to Prepare, Talk Test Treat, and Get Yourself Tested. Please also share this information!
Testing and some vaccinations and treatment for STIs are available at our county health departments in North Georgia and at our Ryan White HIV clinics, The Living Bridge Center. Find these locations here at our website home page at nghd.org.
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