#HealthAlert | AM 1180 Radio

July 4, 2026

CDC Investigating Multi-State Parasite Outbreak Linked to Severe Diarrhea

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Health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of a foodborne parasite that has sickened at least 145 people across the United States, including cases in Georgia.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Identifies Three Georgia Beaches With Elevated Fecal Bacteria Levels

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Anyone planning a trip to the Georgia coast this summer may want to check beach conditions before heading into the water.

State officials have identified 15 miles of beachfront on Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island where elevated levels of enterococci, a type of fecal bacteria, have exceeded recreational water quality standards. The affected beach segments have been classified as “not supporting” recreational use under the Clean Water Act.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, enterococci bacteria can originate from wastewater, failing septic systems, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and pet waste. While the bacteria itself is used as an indicator, elevated levels may signal the presence of other disease-causing organisms that can increase the risk of illness for swimmers.

State officials are working to develop cleanup plans for the affected waters, and public comments on those plans are being accepted through July 16. Before visiting Georgia’s beaches, officials recommend checking the latest advisories through the Georgia Healthy Beaches program

May 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia DPH Confirms Three New Measles Cases In Metro Atlanta Family

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The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed three new measles cases involving members of a metro Atlanta family who recently traveled internationally.

April 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Heavy Pollen Continues To Blanket Chattooga County

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Spring allergy season is in full force across Northwest Georgia, with high pollen levels continuing to impact residents in Chattooga County.

April 6, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

USDA To Drop Oral Rabies Vaccine Baits Across Chattooga County Region

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Low-flying aircraft will be seen across Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture begins distributing oral rabies vaccine baits to help prevent the spread of raccoon rabies. The baiting effort is scheduled to take place from April 7 through April 15 as part of a larger cooperative program involving USDA Wildlife Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and other agencies.

March 25, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Heavy Pollen Covers Northwest Georgia, Brings Peak Allergy Season To The Region

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If your car looks yellow this week, you’re definitely not imagining it. Pollen levels across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are currently very high, with tree pollen reaching peak levels in late March and leaving a visible coating on cars, porches, patios, and outdoor furniture.

February 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

DPH Confirms Measles Case in Georgia; Second Reported Case in 2026

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The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident of Bryan County. While there is no history of international travel, officials say the individual recently traveled out of state, and DPH is currently notifying those who may have been exposed and are at increased risk of developing the virus.

January 6, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Flu Hospitalizations Surge Across Georgia as 2026 Begins

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As the new year begins, Georgia is seeing one of the highest rates of flu-associated hospitalizations in the nation, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health.

January 2, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

CDC: Flu Activity “Very High” in Georgia as Illnesses and Hospitalizations Climb Nationwide

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting very high flu activity in Georgia as cases continue rising across the state and the country.