Georgia Coastal Health District

Show your heart some love this month and get free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings during events at your local health department.

The Chatham County Health Department is hosting its 3^rd Annual Heart Health Fair on Thursday, February 12 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the clinic located at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. There is no cost to participate and no appointment is needed.

The event will include free blood pressure screenings, blood glucose tests, raffle prizes, and refreshments, plus door prizes for the first 30 attendees! The health fair will also feature information and education from several community partners.

These other free blood pressure and blood glucose screening events are scheduled throughout the Coastal Health District:

Why Get Screened?

High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, but you and your healthcare team can take steps to lower your blood pressure if it’s too high. The only way to know is to get checked with a simple blood pressure screening.

Another important routine test is a blood glucose screening, which checks for health concerns like prediabetes and diabetes. Once you know your blood glucose levels, you can make any needed adjustments to your diet, exercise, or medications to improve your health.

The Coastal Health District has several programs to help you manage blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Find out more about these programs and other local resources at any of these heart health events and on our Healthy Living web page.

The following press release was issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health on January 12, 2026:

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a measles case in a baby too young to receive routine measles vaccination. The baby, who acquired the virus while traveling internationally, lives in the Coastal Health District. DPH is working to identify individuals who may have been exposed to measles through contact with the child.   

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 typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. 

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective, and parents with questions about the vaccine or the vaccination schedule can consult their physician. 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. For babies aged 6-11 months travelling internationally, the CDC recommends a single dose of the MMR vaccine before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday. 

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%. Individuals who are vaccinated with the MMR vaccine also help protect others who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.

 People with measles symptoms 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 first reported measles case in Georgia in 2026. There were 10 confirmed measles cases in Georgia in 2025.

For more information about measles, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/epidemiology/acute-disease-epidemiology/vaccine-preventable-diseases/measles or https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.

The Coastal Health District reminds residents and first responders to ensure their tetanus vaccinations are up to date as they clean up after recent floods or assist with the recovery.

Tetanus bacteria is found naturally in soil. If you wade through flood water, you could encounter sharp objects and sustain an injury that allows the tetanus bacteria to enter your body. Although tetanus infection is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.

The best way to prevent infection is to be vaccinated prior to exposure, which is why all adults should receive tetanus booster shots every 10 years. However, tetanus vaccination is still effective if given within 48 hours after an injury.

[JPG, 333.75 KB]

You may need a tetanus booster shot if:

• It has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
• You have a puncture wound and it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
• You have a wound that has come in contact with floodwater, and it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus vaccination.

If you’re not sure if you need a tetanus vaccine, contact your local county health department or your regular healthcare provider.

The cost of tetanus vaccination is covered by most health insurance plans. If you do not have insurance coverage for this vaccine, no-cost options may be available at the health departments of the Coastal Health District.

Residents are also reminded to keep kids out of flood water. Flood water can displace insects and reptiles which can be dangerous to people. The water can also be contaminated with bacteria and harmful chemicals. If it’s necessary for you to touch flood water as you clean up, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.