Georgia Coastal Health District

A dead bat discovered on the porch of a Savannah home has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found on February 3 at a residence in the Magnolia Park area. A resident of the home reported the bat to public health after becoming concerned that their cat may have come into contact with it.

Laboratory testing later confirmed that the bat was positive for rabies. Fortunately, the resident’s cat is vaccinated against rabies and will receive a booster vaccination for additional protection. There was no human exposure.

Rabies is a deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. This is an important reminder that rabies can circulate in several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia, including raccoons, foxes, and bats. Residents are urged not to feed wild animals or attempt to domesticate feral animals, and pet owners are reminded to ensure their animals get regular rabies shots.

The Chatham County Health Department’s 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 Chatham County Animal Services at 912- 652-6575 and the Chatham County Environmental Health office at 912-356-2160.

Vendors planning to sell food within the festival zone on private property must submit a Temporary Food Service Application by February 27, 2026.

Submit Temporary Food Service Applications to:
Chatham County Health Department – Environmental Health
📍 1395 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah, GA 31406
📧 Email (PDF format): Chatham.eh@dph.ga.gov

Application Fee: $60
💳 Payable in person (Cash & American Express will not be accepted)
💻 Or virtually: Chatham County Payment Portal

Applicants are responsible for ensuring their proposed location is approved by the City of Savannah Zoning Use Coordinator and for obtaining a Business Tax Certificate from the City of Savannah Revenue Department.

Zoning approval questions or additional information:
📞 912-651-3108
📧 planning@savannahga.gov

Revenue questions or additional information:
📞 912-651-6445

☘️ We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to a safe and successful St. Patrick’s Day festival!

In recognition of National Maternal Health Awareness Day on January 23, the Chatham County Health Department is hosting a free community celebration focused on supporting and uplifting mothers and families. Nurturing the Nest: A Day to Celebrate Maternal Health will take place on Thursday, January 22, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Midtown Clinic, located at 1602 Drayton St. in Savannah.

Participants can enjoy a variety of activities and resources, including raffle prizes and incentives; access to a diaper and wipes locker provided by Over the Moon Diaper Bank; light snacks and refreshments; vendor and informational tables; blood sugar and blood pressure screenings; and on-site community resources focused on women’s health, children’s services, and STD prevention.

The event will feature five 30-minute Community Education Sessions offered throughout the afternoon, covering key topics in maternal and family health. A tentative schedule of sessions includes:

3:30 – 4:00 pm: Breastfeeding Education
4:00 – 4:30 pm: Fathers Matters Education
4:30 – 5:00 pm: Domestic Violence & Maternal Mental Health Discussion
5:00 – 5:30 pm: Chronic Disease Prevention & Nutrition
5:30 – 6:00 pm: Safe Infant Sleep   

For more information about the Chatham County Health Department’s National Maternal Health Awareness Event, please email Katee.Sykes@dph.ga.gov.

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A raccoon in Pooler in west Chatham County has tested positive for rabies. The Chatham County Health Department’s environmental health office reminds all residents to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure pets are properly vaccinated against rabies.

On October 21^st, a resident contacted Chatham County Animal Services after a raccoon attacked their family dog in a residential area near the I-16 and I-95 interchange. Animal services picked up the raccoon, which tested positive for rabies. Fortunately, the dog was up to date on its rabies vaccination and has received a booster vaccine, and no humans were exposed to the raccoon.

This incident is a reminder that several species of wild animals in our area can carry rabies, including raccoons, foxes, and bats. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. The following tips can 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 services 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 Chatham County Animal Services at 912-652-6575 and the Chatham County Environmental Health office at 912-356-2160.