ROME, GA: Dr. Gary E. Voccio has been named health director for the ten-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District headquartered in Rome. As district health director, Voccio oversees ten Northwest Georgia county health departments and various district-wide public health programs.
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is closely monitoring the outbreak of 2019-nCoV (coronavirus) occurring in China and regularly coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DPH has not confirmed any novel (new) coronavirus cases to date, however the situation could change.
“Every individual over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine – not just for their own protection, but to protect others around them who may be more vulnerable to the flu and its complications,” says Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner. “It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so now is the time to get a flu shot.”
Rome, GA: December means plenty of holiday parties and family gatherings; don’t let the flu hold you back from the festivities this season. National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 1-7 and the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District encourages all Georgians to get their flu vaccine.
ATLANTA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks Georgia fifth in the nation for new HIV diagnoses. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages people to observe World AIDS Day by getting tested for HIV. While there is no effective cure for HIV, with proper treatment and care HIV positive individuals can – and do – live long, healthy lives.
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed three additional cases of measles in Cobb County residents, and testing is underway on another possible case. At least two of the individuals with measles are unvaccinated, and the vaccination history of the third is unclear. These individuals may have exposed other people to measles between Oct. 30 – Nov. 13. DPH is notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and may be at increased risk for developing measles.
ATLANTA -The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed measles in an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident. The individual may have exposed others between Oct. 31- Nov. 6. DPH is notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and may be at increased risk for developing measles. DPH urges health care providers to maintain heightened awareness for patients with measles
Atlanta -The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has identified the state’s second death from a vaping-associated illness. The patient had a history of nicotine vaping, but the case is still being reviewed to determine if other substances also may have been used.
Atlanta, GA: Governor Brian P. Kemp and DPH Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H. urge individuals to follow the CDC recommendation that individuals not use e-cigarettes or other vaping devices while this investigation is ongoing. Without knowing the specific cause of the vaping-associated illness, discontinuing use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices is the best prevention against becoming ill.
Atlanta -The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is currently investigating possible cases of severe respiratory illness in individuals who reported vaping. Symptoms, which worsen over time, include cough, shortness of breath fatigue, chest pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
