The Coastal Health District of Georgia serves the counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long & McIntosh

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Feral Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Brunswick

August 17th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Glynn News, News |

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A feral cat from the central Cate Road area of Brunswick in Glynn County has tested positive for rabies. Two adult residents were scratched by the cat and have been referred to their healthcare provider for possible post-exposure rabies treatment. Anyone else who had exposure to feral cats in the area is advised to contact their healthcare provider for further guidance.

Several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia – including raccoons, foxes, and bats – can carry rabies, and feral cats and dogs can carry rabies as well. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. The Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health office has these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:

  • Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
  • Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
  • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
  • Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis.

If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500 and the Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health office at 912-279-2940.

Beach Advisories Lifted for Tybee and Jekyll Islands

August 9th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, Glynn News, News |

Update: August 10, 2022

The Chatham County Health Department has lifted the advisory for for South Beach at Chatham Street, which extends from the 18th Street to Inlet Avenue on Tybee Island.

The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the advisory for Driftwood Beach, which extends from Beach KM Marker 1 to Tallu Fish Lane on Jekyll Island.

The advisories were issued on August 9, 2022, after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.

Subsequent water samples showed the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisories have been lifted.

August 9, 2022

The Chatham County Health Department has issued a beach water advisory for South Beach at Chatham Street, which extends from 18th Street to Inlet Avenue on Tybee Island.

The Glynn County Health Department has issued a beach water advisory for Driftwood Beach, which extends from Beach KM Marker 1 to Tallu Fish Lane on Jekyll Island.

The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Glynn County and Chatham County beaches throughout the year. The test screens for enterococcus (pronounced: en·ter·o·coc·cus) bacteria, which are found in humans and some wildlife. When a beach is under advisory, it means the level of bacteria found in the water is above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standards. Periodic advisories are not unusual, and sources of the bacteria could include animal waste, storm water runoff, or boating waste.

The advisory does NOT mean the beach is closed. Beach water advisories alert the public of a possible risk of illness associated with water contact in the advisory areas. The Health Department recommends you do not swim or wade in the water in the areas under advisory.

Fish and other seafood caught from these areas should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, as should fish or seafood caught from any waters. The areas will be re tested this week, and the advisories will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards. Get more information about beach water testing and advisories on our website.

Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available in the Coastal Health District

August 8th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, Camden News, Chatham News, COVID-19, Effingham News, Glynn News, Liberty News, Long News, McIntosh News, News |

A new type of COVID-19 vaccine is now available in the Coastal Health District. The Novavax shot is the fourth COVID vaccine to be cleared by the FDA in the U.S., and relies on an older, more familiar vaccine technology. Novavax is a two-dose vaccine and is available in the health departments in Chatham and Glynn Counties, and in the Richmond Hill clinic of the Bryan County Health Department.

“Novavax is a great option for adults who want vaccine protection but aren’t comfortable using mRNA vaccines like the ones offered by Pfizer and Moderna,” said Dr. Lawton Davis, Health Director of the Coastal Health District. “The Novavax vaccine uses the same technology as several other vaccines we’ve been using in the United States for decades, like vaccines for hepatitis B, influenza, and whooping cough.”

The Novavax shot uses a protein-based technology, injecting harmless copies of the coronavirus’ spike protein alongside an ingredient called adjuvant to create an immune response. The vaccine is safe and effective, and during clinical trials, it prevented mild, moderate, and severe COVID illness in 90% of adults aged 18 and older. The most commonly reported side effects were similar to other vaccines and included pain/tenderness, redness and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, nausea/vomiting and fever.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for vaccination. Appointments for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can be scheduled online at chdcovidvax.org, or by calling the Chatham, Glynn, or Bryan County Health Departments.

Monkeypox Vaccine Program Expands; Appointments Available in Glynn and Chatham Counties

August 3rd, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, Camden News, Chatham News, Effingham News, Glynn News, Liberty News, Long News, McIntosh News, News |

The Coastal Health District’s monkeypox vaccination program is expanding. In addition to the Chatham County Health Department in Savannah, the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine will also be available at the Glynn County Health Department in Brunswick beginning Friday, August 5th.

You must have an appointment for vaccination as supply is still limited. Appointments can be self-scheduled online at coastalhealthdistrict.org/monkeypox. The first batch of appointments filled in less than 24 hours, and appointments are expected to continue to fill quickly. Additional appointments will be added as more vaccine arrives.

Jynneos is a vaccine for prevention of monkeypox disease, given in a two-dose series, administered four weeks apart. To be eligible for monkeypox vaccination at this time, individuals must be at least 18 years of age and meet the following criteria:

  • Individual is a gay male, a bisexual male, or a male that has sex with other males.
  • Individual has had a sexual partner in the past 14 days who has received a monkeypox diagnosis OR had multiple sexual partners in the past 14 days in an area with known monkeypox.
  • Individual currently does NOT have signs or symptoms consistent with a monkeypox infection (fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, or a rash/blisters on the face, inside of the mouth, or on other parts of the body).

More information is available on the website of the Coastal Health District at coastalhealthdistrict.org/monkeypox and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/monkeypox.

Information About Availability of Monkeypox Vaccine in the Coastal Health District

July 29th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, Camden News, Chatham News, Effingham News, Glynn News, Liberty News, Long News, McIntosh News, News |

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Today, the Coastal Health District received its first shipment of Jynneos, a vaccine for prevention of monkeypox disease. Vaccinations will begin on Monday, August 1st, to qualifying individuals –appointments are required. Initially, appointments will only be available at the Chatham County Health Department’s main clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive, though additional locations will be added as vaccine supply increases.

Appointments can be self-scheduled online through a link at coastalhealthdistrict.org/monkeypox. You must have an appointment – there is no walk-up availability. Appointments are expected to fill quickly, and additional appointments will be added as more vaccine arrives.

To be eligible for monkeypox vaccination at this time, individuals must be at least 18 years of age and meet the following criteria:

  • Individual is a gay male, a bisexual male, or a male that has sex with other males.
  • Individual has had a sexual partner in the past 14 days who has received a monkeypox diagnosis OR had multiple sexual partners in the past 14 days in an area with known monkeypox.
  • Individual currently does NOT have signs or symptoms consistent with a monkeypox infection (fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, or a rash/blisters on the face, inside of the mouth, or on other parts of the body).

Jynneos is given in a two-dose series, administered four weeks apart.

More information is available on the monkeypox page of our website and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/monkeypox.

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Beach Advisories Lifted on Jekyll Island

July 26th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Glynn News, News |

Updated August 2, 2022

The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisory for Great Dunes Beach, which extends from the Beach Pavilion to Corsair Beach Park on Jekyll Island. The advisory was issued on July 26, 2022, after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.

After resampling the affected area, water samples show the bacteria level had dropped below the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisory has been lifted.

There are currently no beach water advisories on Jekyll Island.

Updated July 29, 2022

The Glynn County Health Department has lifted one of the two beach water advisories for Jekyll Island. The advisories were issued on July 26, 2022, after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.

After resampling both affected beach areas, water samples show the bacteria level had dropped below the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits at Glory Beach, from the South Water Tower to Macy Lane on Jekyll Island. Therefore, the advisory for Glory Beach has been lifted.

A sample was also taken from the Great Dunes Beach area for retesting, but the water was too muddy for analysis. A fresh sample will be taken from the beach on Monday, August 1 for retesting. In the meantime, the water quality advisory remains in place for Great Dunes Beach, which extends from the Beach Pavilion to Corsair Beach Park on Jekyll Island.

July 26, 2022

The Glynn County Health Department has issued two beach water advisories on Jekyll Island. Advisories have been issued for:

  • Great Dunes Beach: from the Beach Pavilion to Corsair Beach Park
  • Glory Beach: from the South Water Tower to Macy Lane
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The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Glynn County beaches throughout the year. The test screens for enterococcus (pronounced: en·ter·o·coc·cus) bacteria, which are found in humans and some wildlife.

When a beach is under advisory, it means the level of bacteria found in the water is above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standards. Periodic advisories are not unusual, and sources of the bacteria could include animal waste, storm water runoff, or boating waste.

The advisory does NOT mean the beach is closed. Beach water advisories alert the public of a possible risk of illness associated with water contact in the advisory areas. The Health Department recommends you do not swim or wade in the water in the area under advisory. Fish and other seafood caught from the area should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, as should fish or seafood caught from any waters.

The areas will be re-tested this week, and the advisories will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards.

West Nile Virus Detected in Chatham Co. Mosquito Population

July 26th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, News |

Chatham County Mosquito Control has confirmed that several mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Mosquito control personnel routinely collect and sample mosquitoes in all areas of Chatham County. The infected mosquitos were collected from Savannah’s south side and the islands area. These are the first positive WNV tests in the Chatham County mosquito population this year. Mosquito Control will treat the areas with insecticide.

WNV is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 20% of people who are infected will have mild symptoms like a fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. However, a West Nile Virus infection can be serious, and 1 out of 150 infected people develop a severe, sometimes fatal, illness.

There is no vaccine or cure for WNV, so prevention is key. All residents should take steps to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate standing water. “We’ve had a lot of rain in recent weeks, creating an ideal environment for mosquitos to breed,” said Dr. Chris Rustin, Administrator of the Chatham County Health Department. “Make sure to routinely drain any flowerpots, bird baths, or other outdoor containers that have been collecting water, and ensure gutters and eaves are clear of leaves and debris trapping water. This will help discourage mosquito activity around your home.”

Residents are always encouraged to follow the “5 Ds” of mosquito bite prevention:

  • Dusk/Dawn – Avoid dusk & dawn activities during summer when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Dress – Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
  • DEET – Cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing DEET, which is the most effective repellent against mosquito bites.
  • Drain – Empty any outdoor containers holding standing water because they are breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
  • Doors – Make sure doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly, and fix torn or damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.

Advisory Lifted for Tybee North Beach

July 12th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, News |

Updated July 14, 2022

The Chatham County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisory for North Beach at Gulick Street, which extends from the north jetty to Lovell Street on Tybee Island.

The advisory was issued on July 12, 2022, after routine water quality tests showed a high level of enterococci bacteria which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers. Subsequent water samples showed the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisory has been lifted.

July 12, 2022

The Chatham County Health Department has issued a beach water advisory for North Beach at Gulick Street, which extends from the north jetty to Lovell Street on Tybee Island. This advisory is only for the specified area and does not impact any other beach locations on the island.

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The Department of Natural Resources – Coastal Resources Division tests water samples at Georgia beaches throughout the year. The test screens for enterococcus (pronounced: en·ter·o·coc·cus) bacteria, which are found in humans and some wildlife. When a beach is under advisory, it means the level of bacteria found in the water is above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standards. Periodic advisories are not unusual, and sources of the bacteria could include animal waste, storm water runoff, or boating waste.

The advisory does NOT mean the beach is closed. Beach water advisories alert the public of a possible risk of illness associated with water contact in the advisory areas. The Health Department recommends you do not swim or wade in the water in the area under advisory.

Fish and other seafood caught from the area should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating, as should fish or seafood caught from any waters. The area will be re-tested this week, and the advisory will be lifted when the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards. Get more information about beach water testing and advisories on our website.

Chatham & Bryan County Health Departments Begin COVID-19 Vaccination
for Infants and Young Children

July 8th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, Chatham News, COVID-19, News |

Beginning next week, the Bryan and Chatham County Health Departments will expand their COVID vaccination programs to include vaccine for young children. Chatham County will offer the Pfizer vaccine for anyone 6 months of age or older. The Bryan County Health Department will offer Moderna vaccine for children aged 6 months to 5 years, and anyone age 12 and older. The Bryan County Health Department does not currently have Moderna vaccine available for ages 6-11 but expects to add that age group soon.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled online by visiting chdcovidvax.org and clicking the link for appointments in your preferred county, or you may call your county health department for assistance. COVID vaccinations for young children are already available in Glynn and Camden Counties, and additional counties should begin vaccinating this age group soon.

“We have been eagerly awaiting our shipment of Pfizer vaccine for young children so we could begin offering vaccine protection to these kids,” said Dr. Sierra Peebles, Nurse Manager of the Chatham County Health Department. “I know there are some parents who will be excited to hear this news.”

Bryan County Nurse Manager Laurie Mehlhorn agreed. “Not all pharmacies or doctor’s office have COVID vaccine for very young children, so we’re glad to fill this role. Vaccination is the best way to protect your kids, so we hope parents will take advantage of this opportunity.”

While children are typically at lower risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19, it is still possible. Tens of thousands of children and teens have been hospitalized with COVID-19. Side effects to the COVID-19 vaccines are typically mild and subside in one to two days.

You do not have to be a local resident to be vaccinated at our county health departments. There is no out-of-pocket cost for COVID vaccination regardless of insurance status. For more information and the latest on availability, please visit covid19.gachd.org.

Coastal Health District Pilots Georgia’s New eWIC Rollout for the Women, Infants, & Children Program

July 8th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Bryan News, Camden News, Chatham News, Effingham News, Glynn News, Liberty News, Long News, McIntosh News, News |

The Coastal Health District has been selected by the Georgia Department of Public Health to pilot eWIC, a new electronic system for issuing food benefits through the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program. Until now, WIC participants used paper vouchers to purchase approved foods. The new system allows participants to use an eWIC card, which functions like a debit card, to purchase WIC-approved foods.

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“Using cards rather than paper vouchers will make shopping much more convenient for our WIC participants,” said Coastal Health District Nutrition Services Director, Pat Mobley, RDN, LD. “We’re thrilled to be able to pilot this program in Georgia.”

A phased approach will be used to distribute the new cards. Participants can continue to use paper vouchers until they receive an eWIC card.

“We’re excited about this technology upgrade but it’s going to take some time to shift from vouchers to cards,” said Mobley. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and want to reassure our WIC participants that we are working diligently to make sure the transition goes as smoothly as possible.”

Georgia WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program that provides nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support, referrals, and nutritional supplements to thousands of income eligible families throughout Georgia.

Income-eligible families include pregnant women, breastfeeding woman, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. Custodial/single fathers, legal guardians, and foster parents of an infant or child can also receive WIC Benefits for the eligible infant or child.

For more information about WIC, including eligibility requirements, please visit our WIC webpage.

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