#PublicHealth | 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.

July 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Department Of Public Health Urges Safe And Healthy Fourth Of July Weekend

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The Georgia Department of Public Health is reminding Georgians and visitors to stay safe and healthy while celebrating the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

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

June 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Health Inspections for the First Half of June: Two Chattooga County Facilities Receive Perfect Health Inspection Scores

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Two facilities in Chattooga County received perfect scores during health inspections conducted during the first half of June.

According to the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department, Dunya Camp, located at 684 Garvin Road in Summerville, received a score of 100 on its tourist accommodation inspection conducted June 12, 2026.

Camp Juliette Low, located at 321 Camp Juliette Low Road at Cloudland, also received a score of 100 on its food service inspection conducted June 2, 2026.

Anyone with a complaint involving a food service establishment or tourist accommodation operating in Chattooga County may contact the Chattooga County Environmental Health Department at 706-857-3377.

June 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

FDA Authorizes Emergency Treatment for Flesh-Eating Screwworm in Pets

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for nitenpyram, a medication used to treat New World screwworm infestations in dogs and cats. The action marks the first approval of a generic animal drug specifically authorized for use against the flesh-eating parasite.

June 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Annual Health Initiative For Men And Women Planned For August In Rome

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The Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition and the 100 Black Men of Rome-Northwest Georgia are encouraging residents across Northwest Georgia to make plans now to attend the 24th Annual Health Initiative for Men and Women on Saturday, August 15.

June 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Mosquito Population Expected To Surge Across Georgia This Summer

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Georgians may want to keep the bug spray handy this summer as experts warn that mosquito populations are expected to be especially active across the state.

June 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Health Inspections: Restaurants, Pool Receive High Scores In Late May

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The Chattooga County Environmental Health Department has released its latest inspection scores for food service establishments and public swimming facilities for the second half of May 2026.

May 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Floyd County Expands Fight Against PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Contamination

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Tuesday evening, the Floyd County Commission approved Arnold & Itkin LLP as lead counsel to represent the county in pursuing legal claims connected to PFAS contamination affecting local landfills, drinking water wells, parks, and other public properties.

May 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Atrium Health Floyd Physician Shares Stroke Awareness Tips

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May is Stroke Awareness Month, and Atrium Health Floyd physician Dr. Michael Gonsalves is reminding residents that recognizing stroke symptoms quickly can save lives.