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- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Environmental Health News
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)
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
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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!
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- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Environmental Health News
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Please note: The North Georgia Health District offices and all public health facilities, including Environmental Health, in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties will be closed tomorrow, Friday, July 3rd, but we look forward to resuming our services on Monday, July 6!
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 2, 2026
Celebrate the Nation's
250th Birthday
Stay Safe and Healthy this 4th of July!
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) wants it to be a safe and healthy 4th of July for all Georgians and visitors to the state. Temperatures will be in the low to mid-90s, so be sure to stay well hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.
At the beach, barbecuing, or watching fireworks, below are some tips on staying safe while having fun this weekend and throughout the summer.
HEAT AND SUN can cause skin damage, skin cancer, and serious illness, but there are ways to enjoy the summer and stay protected.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 that protects your skin from both UVA and UVA rays
- Reapply sunscreen if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water! Avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine and sugar.
- Find places out of the sun to cool off.
- Avoid strenuous activity; take breaks.
- Never leave children or pets in a hot car.
- Check on family members, older adults, and neighbors.
- Call 911 if someone has signs of heatstroke:
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- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- For more information, please visit the CDC’s Heat Health web page. Read more DPH Guidance below....
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Environmental Health News
⚠️🍔 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗕𝗨𝗬, 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗞! 🥤⚠️
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This summer, as roadside food vendors become more common in North Georgia, it's important to think about food safety before making a purchase.
There are numerous permitted mobile food units in Georgia, such as food trucks and food trailers. However, you should be aware that food and beverages sold from 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 may not be prepared, stored, or served under the food safety standards that help protect public health.
Potential risks for Foodborne Illness from UNPERMITTED or UNINSPECTED Roadside Food Vendors may include:
✅ Improper food temperatures that allow harmful bacteria to grow
✅ Lack of handwashing and restroom facilities for food handlers
✅ Unsafe food preparation or storage practices
✅ Exposure to insects, dust, animals, or environmental contaminants
✅ Unknown sources of food ingredients or water used in beverages
Consuming contaminated food or drinks can lead to foodborne illnesses that may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, and other serious health complications.
Protect yourself and your family by purchasing food and beverages from permitted establishments and vendors that follow required food safety regulations and are subject to routine inspections.
When in doubt about whether a roadside vendor is permitted or not, call 706-529-5757 to speak with your local Environmental Health office. You can find additional contact information here: nghd.org/eh-contact.
Learn more about food safety in North Georgia on our Environmental Health website at nghd.org/eh.
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