West Nile Virus Infections Increasing in Georgia
Georgians Urged to Protect Themselves from Mosquito Bites
- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
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!
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- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
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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West Nile Virus Infections Increasing in Georgia: DPH Urges Georgians to Protect from Mosquito Bites
- Details
- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Environmental Health News
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: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
North Georgia - 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦, 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗦 will be 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁. 𝟳, for Labor Day.
This closure includes our district office in Dalton and county 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹, and 𝗪𝗜𝗖 services in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, as well as 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 clinics in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville.
We will 𝗥𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁. 𝟴!
Wishing everyone a 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆, 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱!
Explore all our services here at www.nghd.org.
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