West Nile Virus Infections Increasing in Georgia
Georgians Urged to Protect Themselves from Mosquito Bites
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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
TURN AWARENESS INTO ACTION: IT'S TIME to Prioritize Breast Cancer Screening This October
North Georgia Health Departments Offer Free Breast Exams and Mammogram Referrals
North Georgia – Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink—it is a powerful reminder to understand your risk, recognize changes in your breasts, and make recommended screenings a priority.
It’s Time to detect breast cancer early, North Georgia!
Throughout the year, public health departments in the North Georgia Health District, which include Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties, provide free or low-cost breast exams and referrals for mammograms to women ages 40 through 64, as well as to any woman who has noticed a concerning change in her breast or breasts. Appointments are generally required for these services.
However, in October, the health departments will host or participate in special Breast Cancer Awareness Month events. These events will offer Free Breast Exams without an appointment, and each will feature information and activities designed to increase awareness, encourage earlier detection, and make potentially life-saving screenings more accessible.
Finding breast cancer early can make an extraordinary difference.
One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. also reports:
- Aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
- Breast cancer accounts for approximately 30% of all newly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States.
- On average, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every two minutes.
- Approximately 66% of breast cancer cases are discovered at the localized stage—before the cancer has spread beyond the breast and when it is most treatable.
- Breast cancer diagnosed at the localized stage has a five-year relative survival rate of 99%.
- Approximately 15% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.
- A woman whose mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer is nearly twice as likely to develop it herself.
Women who meet certain eligibility requirements may receive free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings at our health departments through Georgia’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Click here to learn about the program and determine whether you may qualify.
Do not let Breast Cancer Awareness Month pass without taking a step for your health. Learn your risk, pay attention to changes in your breasts, and talk with our health department professionals or your healthcare provider about the screenings recommended for you.
Review the upcoming October events listed below and take advantage of the breast cancer education and screening opportunities offered at our health departments in North Georgia!
This October, IT'S TIME to turn awareness into action—because taking time for your breast health could save your life.
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West Nile Virus Infections Increasing in Georgia: DPH Urges Georgians to Protect from Mosquito Bites
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- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Media Releases
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: 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.
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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.
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- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Media Releases
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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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- DPH: Stay Safe and Healthy this 4th of July!
- National HIV Testing Day is June 27th
- 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