South Health District

VALDOSTA ­– The holiday season is just around the corner and this Thanksgiving the Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District wants to make sure you and your family are protected from food borne illnesses. Turkey will take the spotlight for most families this Thanksgiving, and whether you fry, bake or smoke your turkey […]

VALDOSTA – World AIDS Day is a global health event held annually on December 1. The event offers an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with HIV/AIDS and to commemorate those who have died. In recognition of World AIDS Day 2019, the Georgia Department of […]

GA Cases of Vaping-Associated Lung Injury Continue to Increase ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has identified the state’s second death from a vaping-associated illness. The death did not occur within and the patient was not a resident of the South Health District. The patient had a history of nicotine vaping, but […]

The summer heat is blazing across South Georgia. With the heat comes health risks and South Health District wants to encourage residents to take the proper precautions to avoid heat related illnesses. There are two types of heat related illness: heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate […]

VALDOSTA – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about 1.1 million people in the United States have HIV. Of those 1.1 million, approximately one in eight of them don’t know they have it. June 27 is recognized annually as National HIV Testing Day, a day dedicated to encouraging people to get tested […]

ATLANTA – Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer! The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) wants it to be a safe and healthy summer for all Georgians and visitors to the state. Below are some tips on staying safe while having fun. MOSQUITOES and summer go hand in hand in Georgia. Avoiding mosquito […]

It is easy for a person to say, “I’m not overweight so I don’t need to work out,” but that isn’t the case. It’s no secret that working out is good for weight-loss and muscle gain, however even if you aren’t interested in losing weight or building muscle the benefits of exercise aren’t limited to […]

VALDOSTA – Immunization is a shared responsibility. Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. Vaccines not only help protect our children, but can also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 27 […]

DPH urges public to take precautions to avoid infection ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed 17 cases of E. coli O103 infection in Georgia. Because this is an ongoing investigation, the number of cases is expected to increase. These illnesses are […]

VALDOSTA – A horse in Lowndes County has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Public Health officials urge South Georgians to always wear mosquito spray whenever outdoors to guard against mosquito-borne illnesses no matter how early in the season it may seem. “It is crucial to remember that it is never too early for […]