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Georgia Counties Share Car Seat Mini-Grant

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Injury Prevention Program announces the 2023 recipients of the Child Passenger Safety Mini-Grant. The Child Passenger Safety Mini-Grant program helps county health departments, and their community partners reduce the number of injuries and deaths sustained by children in Georgia when riding in vehicles. This year’s award will be used to support the purchase of car seats to be distributed in 113 counties. Funding for these efforts is provided by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). In the Northwest Health District, Haralson, Paulding, and Polk counties received grants.

DPH Confirms Measles Case in Metro Atlanta, MMR Vaccine is Safe and Effective in Preventing Measles

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident of the metro Atlanta area. The individual was exposed to measles while traveling out of the country. DPH is working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the individual while they were infectious.

Widespread Flu Activity in Georgia, Protect Yourself and Prevent the Spread of Flu

ATLANTA – If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, do not wait any longer. Flu activity is widespread throughout Georgia, and the current flu report lists flu activity at the highest level.

PCR Testing Kiosks for COVID and Influenza Now At Two Northwest Georgia Locations

ROME, GA: The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Northwest Health District is now offering COVID and influenza PCR testing at kiosks at AdventHealth Gordon, 1035 Red Bud Road, Calhoun, and CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia, 100 Gross Crescent Circle, Fort Oglethorpe. These kiosks offer access to testing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Salmonella Infections from Pre-cut Cantaloupe, At least five Georgians sickened.

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to be cautious about eating pre-cut cantaloupe if they cannot verify its source. At least five people in Georgia have become infected with Salmonella likely due to eating the contaminated cantaloupe. Across the country, 117 people have also been sickened, nearly half requiring hospitalization.

DPH Investigating Possible Lead Poisoning from Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch Products

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is investigating several potential cases of high blood lead levels in children around the state who may have eaten recalled cinnamon applesauce pouch products. The FDA says the products contain high levels of lead.

Stay Healthy for the Holidays, Vaccination is Your Best Protection Against Serious Illness

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding Georgians that holiday gatherings, crowded travel, and more time indoors make it easier for germs to spread, especially those that cause flu, COVID, and RSV. Vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Health departments now offering flu vaccines.

Rome, GA:  Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District county health departments are now offering flu vaccines on either a walk-in basis, an appointment basis, or both. Contact your local county health department for specific days, hours, and to confirm if an appointment is needed or not.

High Temperatures in Georgia Raise Health Concerns, Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated, Stay Informed

ATLANTA – With temperatures expected to be in the high 90’s throughout the state for the next several days, and at times feeling like more than 100 degrees with the humidity, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and sun, and to limit strenuous outdoor activity to prevent heat related illnesses. To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed.

Georgia Sees Uptick in COVID Cases, Vaccination still the best protection for Georgians

ATLANTA – While the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeing an uptick in new COVID cases and hospitalizations related to COVID, the numbers remain relatively low, compared to the state’s peak in January 2022 or even summer COVID increases in previous years.