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

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Beach Water Advisories Lifted in Glynn County

March 22nd, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Glynn News, News |

Updated March 23, 2022:

The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the bacteria-related beach water advisories on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island.

Advisories have been lifted for:

  • Massengale Park Beach – from Driftwood Dr. to Cedar St. on St. Simons Island, and
  • Great Dunes Beach – from the Beach Pavilion to Corsair Beach Park on Jekyll Island.

The advisories were issued on March 22, 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 that the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisories have been lifted.

March 22, 2022

The Glynn County Health Department has issued beach water advisories for the following beach locations:

  • Massengale Park Beach – from Driftwood Dr. to Cedar St. on St. Simons Island, and
  • Great Dunes Beach – from the Beach Pavilion to Corsair Beach Park on Jekyll Island.
graphic showing the beach water advisory signs [JPG, 2.57 MB]

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 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. For more information, visit our beach water testing page.

Coastal Health District Reminds Parents & Caregivers of the Importance of Preteen Immunizations

March 16th, 2022 by District_PIO

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

The Georgia Preteen Vaccine Awareness Week is an annual observance aimed to help raise awareness and encourage preteens to make smart, healthy choices including defending themselves against vaccine-preventable diseases. 

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends these immunizations for preteens 11 to 12 years old:

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) (2-shot series) to protect boys and girls from HPV-related cancers and infections.
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine helps protect against some of the bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease, including sepsis and meningitis.
  • Tdap vaccine is recommended for protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Everyone 11-12 years of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year and preteens may also need to catch up on other immunizations, including chickenpox (many do not have their second dose), MMR (measles mumps, rubella), hepatitis B, and COVID-19.

For more information on immunization schedules, please visit our website at coastalhealthdistrict.org/immunizations.

COVID-19 Testing Site to Close in Camden County

March 16th, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Camden News, COVID-19, News |

A significant decrease in demand for COVID testing has prompted public health officials to close the COVID-19 testing site at the Camden County Health Department in St. Marys. The last day for testing at this site is Thursday, March 17, 2022.

“We’ve done more than 5,000 COVID tests in Camden County over the last two years, and we’re proud to have served our community in this way,” said Dr. Lawton Davis, Health Director of the Coastal Health District. “There was a time when testing options were limited and demand was high. But the landscape has changed – demand has fallen sharply, and there are many other options for COVID testing in the area. It’s time for us to scale back, with the knowledge that if the situation changes in the future we can expand again if necessary.”

Several local healthcare providers in the area offer COVID testing, and at-home self-test kits can be ordered for free from the federal government at covidtests.gov. COVID testing by public health is also available six days a week in Glynn County on Kemble Avenue, across from the Emergency Care Center of Southeast Georgia Health System.

Click here for more information about COVID-19 testing options through public health in the Coastal Health District.

Immunizations for Preteens & Teens

March 14th, 2022 by District_PIO

Posted in Public Health Topics |

By the time your child becomes a preteen, their childhood vaccinations are already wearing off, putting them at risk for potentially life-threatening diseases. Immunizing your child is one way to protect their health today and for the years ahead.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) currently recommends that 11- and 12-year-olds [PDF] receive HPV vaccine (2 doses), Tdap, meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) and seasonal flu vaccines. Some preteens may also need to catch up on other immunizations as well.

ACIP also recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 5 years and older.  Learn more about protecting your preteen and teen against COVID-19 at COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens | CDC.).

Recommended Immunizations for Preteens 11 to 12 years

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) (2-shot series) to protect boys and girls from HPV-related cancers and infections
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine helps protect against some of the bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease, including sepsis and meningitis
  • Tdap vaccine is recommended for protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Everyone 11-12 years of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year

Preteens may also need to catch up on other immunizations, including chickenpox (many do not have their second dose), MMR (measles mumps, rubella), hepatitis B, and COVID-19

All students born on or after January 1, 2002, and entering or transferring into seventh grade and any new entrant into eighth through 12th grades, in Georgia must provide proof of an adolescent pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccination (called “Tdap”) and an adolescent meningococcal conjugate vaccination (MenACWY).

Effective July 1, 2021, children sixteen years of age and older who are attending eleventh grade must receive a booster dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine, unless their initial dose was administered on or after their sixteenth birthday.

Check out the Immunization Schedules for All Ages. If you’re not sure if your child is up to date on immunizations, call your pediatrician’s office or health department.

Beach Water Advisory Lifted in Glynn County

March 8th, 2022 by District_PIO

Posted in Glynn News, News |

Updated March 10, 2022:

The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the beach water advisory for South Beach at the Lighthouse on St. Simons Island, which is from 9th Street to the pier.

The advisory was issued on March 8, 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 taken showed that the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisory has been lifted.

March 8, 2022:

The Glynn County Health Department has issued a beach water advisory for South Beach at the Lighthouse on St. Simons Island, which is from 9th Street to the pier.

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 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. For more information, visit our beach water testing page.

Coastal Health District to Host Walk to Bring Awareness to HIV

March 4th, 2022 by District_PIO

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

The Coastal Health District will host “Walk to Stop the Spread” at Forsyth Park on Saturday, April 16. The health fair and park walk are being held to raise awareness around HIV. The event is free and open to the public and participants who register will receive a free swag bag and t-shirt. There is no cost to register.

Outside vendors, food trucks, and other activities – including free HIV testing, diabetes screening, blood pressure checks, and COVID-19 testing and vaccinations – will also be available. Check-in starts at 8 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9 a.m. The festivities will continue until noon.

To register, go to coastalhealthdistrict.org/hiv or to eventbrite.com. You can also register in person at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1602 Drayton Street during regular operational hours.

The Coastal Health District’s HIV Program provides medical treatment and case management for those living with HIV/AIDS. all health departments offer free, confidential HIV testing. At-home HIV self-test kits are also available at no cost.

HIV testing is always free by appointment at all health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties and available Monday through Friday during regular health department hours of operation.

For more information on Coastal Health District HIV services, please visit our website at coastalhealthdistrict.org/hiv.  

Powdered Infant Formula Recall Expanded; Five Reports of Bacterial Infection in Infants

March 4th, 2022 by CHD Communications

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

[JPG, 118.49 KB]

The following press release was issued from the Georgia Department of Public Health:

A recall of powdered infant formula is expanding to include a specialty formula for infants with certain dietary needs. Abbott Nutrition is now recalling one lot of Similac PM 60/40 in addition to select lots of Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare formulas manufactured in its Sturgis, Michigan, facility. The products are sold throughout the U.S. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging parents and caregivers of infants to check their powdered infant formula before using it.

The recall for Similac PM 60/40 includes lot numbers 27032K80 on cans and 27032K800 on cases.

The previously recalled powdered infant formulas – Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare – can be identified by the 7-to-9-digit code and expiration date on the bottom of the package. Do not use these brands if they meet all 3 of the following conditions:

  • the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37 and
  • the code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2, and
  • the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Parents can also check Similac’s recall website or call 800-986-8540 and follow the instructions provided to find out if a formula they use is included in the recall. If a child’s regular formula is not available, parents should consult with their child’s healthcare provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices.

Georgia WIC participants may return, or exchange recalled formula to the place of purchase or contact their WIC clinic to exchange for replacement vouchers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating after five babies in three states (Minnesota, Ohio, Texas) became sick with bacterial infections after consuming the products. Four of the complaints concerned Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one complaint was Salmonella infection. All five illnesses resulted in hospitalization and Cronobacter may have contributed to death in two infants.

Additional recall information is available on the FDA website or the CDC’s website https://www.cdc.gov/cronobacter/outbreaks/infant-formula.html.

Beach Water Advisories Lifted in Glynn County

March 3rd, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Glynn News, News |

Updated on March 3, 2022

The Glynn County Health Department has lifted the bacteria-related beach water advisories on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Advisories have been lifted for:

  • East Beach at Old Coast Guard Station – from Tenth St. to Driftwood Dr. on St. Simons Island,
  • Massengale Park Beach – from Driftwood Dr. to Cedar St. on St. Simons Island,
  • Fifth Street Crossover Beach – from Cedar St. to Ninth St. on St. Simons Island, and
  • South Dunes Picnic Area Beach – from Corsair Beach Park to South Water Tower on Jekyll Island.

The advisories were issued on March 1, 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 that the bacteria levels had dropped below Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended limits. Therefore, the advisories have been lifted.

March 1, 2022:

The Glynn County Health Department has issued beach water advisories for the following beach locations:

  • East Beach at Old Coast Guard Station – from Tenth St. to Driftwood Dr. on St. Simons Island,
  • Massengale Park Beach – from Driftwood Dr. to Cedar St. on St. Simons Island,
  • Fifth Street Crossover Beach – from Cedar St. to Ninth St. on St. Simons Island, and
  • South Dunes Picnic Area Beach – from Corsair Beach Park to South Water Tower on Jekyll Island.
graphic showing the beach water advisory signs [JPG, 2.57 MB]

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 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. For more information, visit our beach water testing page.

$50 Gift Cards Offered for Liberty Co. Residents Getting First or Second Doses of COVID Vaccine on March 9th

March 1st, 2022 by District_PIO

Posted in Liberty News, Long News, News |

The Liberty County Health Department will offer $50 Visa gift cards to the first 100 residents who get their first or second dose* of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, March 9th between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the health department. The Moderna vaccine is approved for people 18 and older. *(Does not include booster dose).

Appointments are required and can be scheduled by choosing a time on Wednesday, March 9th, at this web address: https://coastalhealthdistrict.as.me/Liberty-Moderna

Appointments can also be scheduled by calling 912-230-5506 Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Though transmission levels are currently lower than they have been, the virus is still circulating in our communities. Getting vaccinated offers the best protection from getting severely ill or hospitalized because of COVID-19.

“If this virus has shown us anything it’s that it is constantly changing,” said Dr. Lawton Davis, Health Director for the Coastal Health District. “That means we can’t let our guard down. I encourage Liberty County residents to take advantage of this opportunity and get vaccinated.”

Chatham County Health Department Facilities Closed March 4

March 1st, 2022 by CHD Communications

Posted in Chatham News, News |

The two main facilities of the Chatham County Health Department will be closed to the public on Friday, March 4, 2022, as the telephone system is upgraded. Temporary telephone and internet outages are expected during this time. Clients with impacted appointments will be contacted to reschedule.

The following facilities and services will be unavailable March 4:

  • Main Clinic, 1395 Eisenhower Drive – clinical services, dental services, vital records, environmental health offices
  • Midtown Clinic, 1602 Drayton Street – clinical services

The following facilities and services will be available March 4:

  • COVID-19 Vaccination Annex, 1249 Eisenhower Drive – adult and pediatric COVID vaccinations
  • COVID-19 Testing, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah Civic Center
  • COVID-19 Testing, 210 Technology Circle, Georgia Tech Savannah Campus in Pooler
  • Chatham CARE Center, 107 B Fahm Street – HIV Services

All facilities will resume normal operational schedules on Monday, March 7, 2022.

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