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
- Details
- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Environmental Health News
September 16, 2026
Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE
Ver Opción En Español En La Parte Superior De Esta Página
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.
- Hits: 34
- 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.
- Hits: 93
- Details
- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Environmental Health News
Link here to the Georgia Department of Public Health to learn about Cyclospora
Protect Yourself and Your Family From Cyclosporiasis - Take Precautions When Handling Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE: Updated
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to take extra precautions when purchasing, preparing, and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables to help prevent cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal disease. At this time, DPH is not aware of any Georgia-specific outbreaks, clusters, or potential links to the outbreak that has sickened more than a thousand people across multiple states. Investigation into common sources nationally is ongoing.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite – Cyclospora. People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite. Treated water in the U.S. does not contain Cyclospora. Although domestically acquired cases occur in Georgia every year, typically most cyclosporiasis cases in the state are associated with international travel.
The most common symptom is watery diarrhea and explosive bowel movements. Bloating, cramping, or loss of appetite can also occur. Most people with cyclosporiasis recover on their own; however, hospitalizations can occur when patients are dehydrated from diarrhea caused by the infection. The illness may last from a few days to over a month. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times. In extended cases, people are encouraged to check with their healthcare provider. (See how to prevent Cyclosporiasis below)
- Hits: 241
- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
Ver Opción En Español En La Parte Superior De Esta Página
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!
- Hits: 288