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.
Rome, GA: August is National Immunization Awareness Month and serves as a reminder that Northwest Georgians of all ages require timely vaccinations to protect their health. “Vaccinations are our best defense against vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Janet Eberhart, immunizations coordinator for the ten-county public health district. “This National Immunization Awareness Month, we urge parents to think ahead and get themselves and their families up to date on their vaccinations, especially those required school vaccinations.”
Every health department in the ten-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District, which includes Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk, and Walker counties, is offering free hepatitis A vaccinations during regular business hours. No appointment is needed.
Rome, GA: Public health officials have confirmed four cases of hepatitis A among Floyd County residents and are urging vaccination against the highly contagious liver infection for people most at risk of the vaccine-preventable disease, especially illicit (injection and non-injection) drug users and their close contacts. Officials are also encouraging all persons who work in food-service establishments, such as restaurants and cafeterias, to be vaccinated.
Northwest Georgia Health Departments in Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, and Walker Counties will provide free hepatitis A vaccine to individuals at risk of the highly contagious, highly preventable liver disease every Friday in May. Clinics will be held at each health department on May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, from 8 am to 2 pm.
ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed three new cases of measles in the metro Atlanta area. The three individuals are all members of one family – none of them were vaccinated. Although the risk of becoming sick is low, DPH is notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus and may be at increased risk for developing measles. Including these three additional cases, the statewide total of measles cases in 2019 is six.
Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District officials have confirmed a case of hepatitis A in a food handler at a Krystal restaurant, 2560 Lafayette Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA…An investigation found that this employee worked at the restaurant while infectious, from March 15 through March 24. We recommend that anyone who consumed food or drink at this restaurant during this time contact their healthcare provider or local health department to determine if a hepatitis A vaccination is needed to prevent the disease.
The Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District officials have confirmed a case of hepatitis A in a food handler at McDonald’s, 106 LaFayette Road, Chickamauga, GA. An investigation found that this employee worked at the restaurant while infectious, from March 4 through March 17…We recommend that anyone who consumed food or drink at this restaurant during this time contact their healthcare provider or local health department to determine if a hepatitis A vaccination is needed to prevent the disease.
Rome, GA: The Northwest Georgia Floyd County Health Department, located at 16 East 12th Street, Rome, is now offering Pre-exposure prophylaxis for those at high risk of HIV in our PrEP clinic. PrEP provides a great opportunity to substantially reduce the risk of HIV infection in HIV-negative people who are at high risk of contracting HIV.
An information sheet explaining the disease, describing its symptoms, advising what to do if someone has symptoms, detailing who is at high risk of hepatitis A, and providing preventive information is available for viewing and download/printing on the Northwest Health District website at https://nwgapublichealth.org or at your local county health department.
