Latest news with #GeorgiaDepartmentofPublicHealth
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Vending machine in Newton County dispenses overdose reversal drug
A key tool in the fight against the deadly opioid epidemic is now available in a Newton County vending machine. The first naloxone vending machine installed at a Georgia law enforcement facility is at the Newton County Detention Center. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The county sheriff's office said people who need access to the machine can request a token from a Newton County Detention Center administrator, which allows them to get a naloxone kit. The machine also features a QR code with step-by-step instructions on how to administer the naloxone. TRENDING STORIES: 17-year-old missing after boat found circling on Allatoona Lake Family of twins found dead on Bell Mountain dispute findings, say they were killed GA ringleader of fraud scheme sentenced for creating fake recruiting websites to steal identities 'This is a major step forward in protecting lives and empowering our community,' said Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown. 'By placing this machine inside our facility, we are bridging the gap between public safety and public health. We are proud to lead the way in Georgia.' The vending machine fills a critical need, the sheriff's office said. Georgia had 15,457 opioid overdose incidents requiring emergency response from 2024 to now, the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program said. Newton County accounted for 173 of those incidents, or 1.12% of the state's total. The county's vending machine was made possible in partnership with GNR Public Health and was bought through support from the Georgia Department of Public Health's opioid program. The project is funded through a two-year, $196,800 grant from the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust awarded to GNR Public Health. Part of this funding will stock the machine with naloxone kits. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Georgia Dept. of Public Health confirms measles case in unvaccinated Atlanta resident
ATLANTA () — The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a secondary case of measles in an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident. This individual is a family member of the person with measles who was confirmed in May. The DPH confirms it was acquired outside of the country. People who may have been exposed to either of these individuals have been given the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine or antibodies to help reduce the risk of developing measles and are being monitored for symptoms. Currently, no new cases of measles have been reported outside of this family. This is the fifth reported case of measles in Georgia in 2025. In 2024, there were six reported cases of measles in the state. 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. More than 95% of the people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose boosts immunity, typically enhancing protection to 98%. For more information about measles, log on to or Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Georgia health officials confirm new measles case in metro Atlanta area
The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed another unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident had been diagnosed with measles. The resident this time is a family member of the person who had been infected with measles while traveling outside of the United States, which was confirmed in May. Health officials say those who may have been in contact or exposed to either of the two individuals who have been confirmed to have measles were given the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or antibodies to help reduce their risk of contracting the disease. Georgia health officials are now monitoring the individuals who came into contact or were exposed to the two metro Atlanta residents with measles for symptoms. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] RELATED STORIES: State health department confirms new measles case in Georgia Measles cases growing across Georgia, doctors encouraging vaccines Wastewater helping track spread of measles in GA At this time, no new cases of measles have been reported outside of the family, according to GaDPH. Health officials said the MMR vaccine is safe and effective and mentioned that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is based in the metro area, recommends that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 to 15 months of age and a second between four and six years old. "More than 95% of the people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose boosts immunity, typically enhancing protection to 98%," GaDPH said. The department said this was the fifth case of measles reported in Georgia for 2025. In 2024, there were six cases reported in the state. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fourth case of measles confirmed in Georgia
ATLANTA, Ga. (WSAV) — The fourth confirmed case of measles in Georgia was confirmed Monday. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) says an unvaccinated resident in the Greater Atlanta area tested positive. The individual acquired the virus while traveling internationally. DPH is working to identify any persons who may have been exposed through contact with the individual between May 10 and May 18, when they were infectious. Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room. Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus, typically including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. This is the fourth reported measles case in Georgia in 2025. In 2024, there were six reported cases of measles in Georgia. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fourth measles case confirmed in Georgia, Department of Public Health says
ATLANTA () — The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated Greater Atlanta resident. Officials say the unvaccinated person acquired the virus while traveling internationally. The Department of Public Health is currently working to identify people that may have come in contact with the individual when they were infectious, which was between May 10 and May 18. Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room. 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. More than 95% of the people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose boosts immunity, typically enhancing protection to 98%. The CDC also notes the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective. People with symptoms of measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately. DO NOT go to the doctor's office, the hospital, or a public health clinic without first calling to let them know about your symptoms. Healthcare providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify public health immediately. This is the fourth reported measles case in Georgia in 2025. In 2024, there were six reported cases of measles in Georgia. For more information about measles, log on to or Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
