- Details
- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Media Releases
August 19, 2026
DPH Confirms Measles Case in Georgia
MMR Vaccine is Safe and Effective in Preventing Measles
Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed measles in an unvaccinated resident of metro Atlanta. At this time, there is no known travel history or exposure to someone infected with measles. DPH is working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the individual while the individual was infectious.
Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective, and parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule can consult their physician. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. For babies aged 6-11 months traveling internationally, the CDC recommends a single dose of the MMR vaccine before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.
Read the full press release at https://dph.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-08-18/dph-confirms-measles-case-georgia-mmr-vaccine-safe-and-effective.
_______________________________________
NOTE: MMR Vaccine is Available at all our County Health Departments in the North Georgia Health District. Contact the one nearest you at www.nghd.org.
- Hits: 227
- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
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: 819
- Details
- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Media Releases
Ver opción en Español en la parte superior de esta página
Please note: The North Georgia Health District offices and all public health facilities 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:
-
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- For more information, please visit the CDC’s Heat Health web page. Read more DPH Guidance below....
- Hits: 749
- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
National HIV Testing Day Encourages Awareness, Prevention, and Early Detection
Ver Opción En Español En La Parte Superior De Esta Página
Each year on June 27, National HIV Testing Day highlights the importance of knowing your HIV status and taking steps to protect your health. The annual observance encourages individuals to get tested, learn about prevention options, and connect with care and treatment services if needed. According to HIV.gov, HIV testing is the first step in prevention, treatment, and living a healthy life, and everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare.
“The North Georgia Health District is committed to helping end the HIV epidemic and ensuring our communities have easy access to the services they need,” said K. Mills McNeill, MD, PhD, District Health Director. “National HIV Testing Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about getting tested and taking control of your health.”
HIV testing is available year-round through all seven of our public health department locations across the six-county North Georgia Health District, comprised of Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, as well as through The Living Bridge Center (TLBC) Ryan White HIV Clinics in Canton, Dalton, and Gainesville. This service is fast, confidential, and available at little to no cost at each of our clinics.
Find locations and Monday-through-Friday hours of operation for our county health departments and The Living Bridge Center clinics by clicking the county and city names linked above.
Also visit www.nghd.org to learn about the full range of public health services offered through our health district and county health departments, and go to nghd.org/tlbc-home to find the state-of-the-art public health HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services provided at The Living Bridge Center (TLBC) clinics.
Learn more about National HIV Testing Day at www.hiv.gov/events/awareness-days/hiv-testing-day.
By working together, we can ALL help end the HIV epidemic and support healthier futures for everyone.
- Hits: 1074
- Be Wary of Unpermitted Roadside Food Vendors
- CLOSED on Good Friday, April 3rd
- Cherokee County Health Department in Woodstock Now Offering Child Well Check Visits for Ages 3 to 20
- North Georgians Fueled Their Immunity at Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinics
- Murray County Health Department Closed Thurs., 10/2, and Fri., 10/3
- Celebrating Excellence: Wendy Scoggins Named Environmental Health All-Star for District 1-2
- Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, Jan. 20th
- Closed for MLK Day on Mon., Jan. 20th
- Update: Delayed Openings and Closures in the North Georgia Health District Have Ended
- Fannin, Pickens County Health Depts Delay Opening to 10 AM on Jan. 13; Gilmer County Health Dept. Closed