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.
- Hits: 1062
- Details
- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
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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- Details
- Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
- Category: Press Room
September 4, 2026
DPH Confirms Additional Measles Cases in Georgia
Click here for this GA DPH NEWS RELEASE
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ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed three additional measles cases associated with the measles case confirmed August 18, for a total of 8 cases associated with the current outbreak. This outbreak is associated with a daycare setting in the metro Atlanta area; the children were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. DPH is working to notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and are at an increased risk of developing measles.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, but may range from 4 to 21 days. Symptoms usually start with high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then a rash of tiny red spots breaks out, usually starting at the head and spreading 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.
Anyone who becomes sick or thinks they may have been exposed to measles should follow this guidance:
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately and let them know that you may have been exposed to measles. If you do not have a doctor, please call the DPH Acute Disease Epidemiology Section at 404-657-2588 during business hours, Monday through Friday, or 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584) after hours on evenings and weekends.
- DO NOT go to the doctor’s office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without FIRST calling to let them know about your possible contact with measles. Your healthcare provider or public health nurse will advise you on what to do.
- Stay at home and avoid contact with other people, especially babies less than 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems.
DPH urges healthcare providers to maintain heightened awareness of measles. If you suspect measles in a patient, notify public health immediately by calling 866-PUB-HLTH (866-782-4584).
Including these additional cases, there have been 14 measles cases in Georgia in 2026. There were 10 confirmed measles cases in Georgia in 2025.
For more information about measles, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.
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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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- National Preparedness Month Encourages North Georgians to “Stand Ready”
- Annual Fall Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clincs Return to North Georgia!
- DPH Confirms Four Additional Measles Cases in Georgia
- DPH Confirms Measles Case in Georgia
- DPH: Protect Yourself and Your Family From Cyclosporiasis
- Closed July 3rd for the Fourth!
- DPH: Stay Safe and Healthy this 4th of July!
- National HIV Testing Day is June 27th
- Be Wary of Unpermitted Roadside Food Vendors
- Closed Friday in Observance of Juneteenth