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
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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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- 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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- Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
- Category: Press Room
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NORTH GEORGIA — September is National Preparedness Month, an annual observance that reminds individuals, families, and communities that taking simple steps before an emergency can make a big difference when disaster strikes.
This year’s theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” emphasizes the important role each of us can play in protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. National Preparedness Month has been observed each September since 2004 to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies and disasters.
The North Georgia Health District and our Emergency Preparedness Department proudly support National Preparedness Month and encourage residents throughout Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties to use September as an opportunity to strengthen their own preparedness.
Preparedness does not have to be complicated or expensive. A few important steps can help households become better prepared:
- Be in the know. Know where to turn for reliable emergency information and alerts.
- Make a plan. Develop a household emergency plan that includes contact information, meeting places, medical needs, and what to do if family members are separated.
- Build a kit. Gather essential supplies your household may need during an emergency, including water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and other necessities.
- Think beyond your household. Being prepared also helps strengthen neighborhoods and communities and supports the work of first responders during emergencies.
Emergencies can occur with little or no warning, but preparing ahead can help people respond more safely and recover more quickly.
Throughout National Preparedness Month, the North Georgia Health District joins emergency preparedness partners across Georgia and the nation in sharing this information and encouraging everyone to take practical steps toward greater readiness—not only during September, but throughout the year. Follow our NPM messages this month on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube.
Learn more about National Preparedness Month and find preparedness tips, planning tools, and resources at Ready.gov.
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