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

Glynn News


Free STI Screening Events in April

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Health departments in the Coastal Health District will offer free, confidential STI screening events in April as part of STI Awareness Month. About 1 in 5 people in the US have a sexually transmitted infection. Left untreated, STIs can lead to serious health issues, affect fertility, and be passed along to partners. Many infections don’t cause any symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to get tested.

The good news is that all STIs can be treated, and most can be cured. Testing is the first step. STI testing is available at all health departments in the Coastal Health District throughout the year, but during the month of April, special screening events will offer the testing for free.

The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can take action to protect your health and the health of your partner. For more information about STI prevention, testing, and treatment, visit our STI Services page.

Free STI Testing Events in the Coastal Health District

Bryan County Health Department

  • April 15, 2024
  • 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Appointments and Walk-ins
  • 430 Ledford St. in Pembroke
    & 66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr. in Richmond Hill

Camden County Health Department

  • April 7, 2024
  • 8-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m.
  • Appointments and Walk-ins
  • 905 Dilworth Street in St. Marys
    & 1501 Georgia Ave. in Woodbine

Chatham County Health Department

  • April 15-19, 2024
  • Appointments only. Call 912-356-2441 to schedule.
  • 1395 Eisenhower Dr. in Savannah

Effingham County Health Department

  • April 18, 2024
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Appointments and Walk-ins
  • 802 Highway 119 South in Springfield

Glynn County Health Department

  • April 18, 2024
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Appointments and Walk-ins
  • 2747 Fourth St. in Brunswick

Liberty County Health Department

  • April 18, 2024
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Walk-ins
  • 113 East Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville

Long County Health Department

  • April 24, 2024
  • 8 – 11:30 a.m. & 1 – 4 p.m.
  • Appointments only. Call 912-545-2107 to schedule.
  • 584 North Macon St. in Ludowici

McIntosh County Health Department

  • April 18, 2024
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Appointments and Walk-ins
  • 1335 Georgia Highway 57 in Townsend

Eventos gratuitos de detección de ITS en abril

Los departamentos de salud del Coastal Health District ofrecerán eventos gratuitos y confidenciales de detección de ITS en abril como parte del Mes de Concientización sobre las ITS. Aproximadamente 1 de cada 5 personas en los EE. UU. tiene una infección de transmisión sexual. Si no se tratan, las ITS pueden provocar problemas de salud graves, afectar la fertilidad y transmitirse a la pareja. Muchas infecciones no causan ningún síntoma, por lo que la única forma de saberlo con seguridad es haciéndonos una prueba.

La buena noticia es que todas las ITS pueden tratarse y la mayoría curarse. La prueba es el primer paso. Las pruebas de ITS están disponibles en todos los departamentos de salud del Coastal Health Dustrict durante todo el año, pero durante el mes de abril, eventos especiales ofrecerán las pruebas de forma gratuita.

Bryan County Health Department

  • 15 de abril
  • 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 430 Ledford St. en Pembroke
    & 66 Capt. Matthew Freeman Dr. en Richmond Hill

Camden County Health Department

  • 7 de abril
  • 8-11 a.m. & 1-3 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 905 Dilworth Street en St. Marys
    & 1501 Georgia Ave. en Woodbine

Chatham County Health Department

  • 15-19 de abril
  • Solo con cita. Llame al 912-356-2441 para programar.
  • 1395 Eisenhower Dr. en Savannah

Effingham County Health Department

  • 18 de abril
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 802 Highway 119 South en Springfield

Glynn County Health Department

  • 18 de abril
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 2747 Fourth St. en Brunswick

Liberty County Health Department

  • 18 de abril
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 113 East Oglethorpe Highway en Hinesville

Long County Health Department

  • 24 de abril
  • 8 – 11:30 a.m. & 1 – 4 p.m.
  • Solo con cita. Llame al 912-545-2107 para programar.
  • 584 North Macon St. en Ludowici

McIntosh County Health Department

  • 18 de abril
  • 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • No es necesaria cita
  • 1335 Georgia Highway 57 en Townsend

Plan Ahead for a Healthy Trip with Travel Vaccines from the Coastal Health District

If your summer travel plans include an international trip, now is the time to book an appointment for required immunizations and recommended prescriptions.  The Coastal Health District has two travel health clinics to assist you in Savannah and Brunswick. Planning ahead is essential as some countries require specific vaccines for entry, and most vaccines must be given about 15 to 30 days in advance for full protection. Some prescription treatments, like those to prevent malaria, must also begin before you travel.

“Nothing ruins a great vacation faster than getting sick,” said Dr. Bonzo Reddick, health director of the Coastal Health District. “Our travel health specialists can help you get the required and recommended vaccinations and medications for your destination on time, but only if you call us early. You can’t wait until the last minute to get your travel shots or prescriptions.”

Travel appointments can fill quickly, so travelers are advised to schedule an appointment as soon as they know their dates of travel, and at least one month before the trip.

Travel health services are offered by appointment only in the following clinic locations in the Coastal Health District:

  • Chatham County Health Department: 1395 Eisenhower Dr. in Savannah. Schedule an appointment by calling 912-353-3182 or send an email to cchd.travelvax@dph.ga.gov. Please include your travel destination, departure date, number of persons, and contact information, including a telephone number in your correspondence.
  • Glynn County Health Department: 2747 Fourth St. in Brunswick. Schedule an appointment by calling 912-264-3961 extension 6004.

In addition to destination-specific vaccines and medications, it’s important to be current on routine vaccines as well. Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many vaccine-preventable illnesses are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

“I also put together a travel health kit before every trip,” said Dr. Reddick. “Make sure you pack enough of your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays.” Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask, insect repellent, sunscreen, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

For more information, visit our travel health page.

DPH Confirms Measles Case in Metro Atlanta

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

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated resident of the metro Atlanta area. The individual was exposed to measles while traveling out of the country. DPH is working to identify anyone who may have had contact with the individual while they were infectious.

Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 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 appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12-15 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old. 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%.

The last reported case of measles in Georgia was in 2020.

People with symptoms of measles should contact their health care 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. Health care providers who suspect measles in a patient should notify public health immediately.

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.

Remember the 4 “Ps” of Winter Weather Safety as Very Cold Weather Impacts Coastal Georgia

Very cold weather is moving into the coastal Georgia area on the evening of January 16 through January 17, with temperatures dropping below freezing combined with a dangerous wind chill.

Remember the 4 “Ps” of winter weather safety during this cold snap.

  • People: Ensure that everyone is dressed warmly before going outdoors. If you have family, friends, or neighbors who are especially vulnerable to cold weather, please check on them to be sure they’re warm and safe.
  • Pets: Bring pets inside. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them, too.
  • Plants: Cover outdoor plants with cloth or bring them inside. Freezing temperatures can kill some plants.
  • Pipes: Let your pipes drip. Having water move through the pipes will help prevent the water from freezing. A frozen pipe can burst causing property damage.

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Brunswick

The Glynn County Health Department is alerting residents of Brunswick in Glynn County that a raccoon has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was discovered in a homeowner’s shed on Blythe Island Highway on January 11, 2024, and there was an encounter between the raccoon and the family’s dog.

The racoon was captured, and the dog was taken to a local vet. The dog had previously been vaccinated against rabies and received its booster. The dog’s owners did not report having any physical contact with the raccoon. While captured, the racoon passed away.

The Glynn County Environmental Health office prepared the sample and delivered it to the lab on the morning of January 12, 2024. The positive rabies test result was reported at 2:00 p.m.

The dog’s owners have been contacted with the results, and the dog will be placed on a 45-day quarantine. The health department will provide guidance to the owners about post-exposure rabies treatment, encouraging them to follow the recommendations of poison control and their personal physician to determine the level of exposure they had to the racoon.

This is an important reminder to avoid contact with wild animals and to keep your pets up to date on rabies vaccinations. Several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia – including raccoons, foxes, and bats – can carry rabies. Feral cats and dogs can carry rabies as well. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals.

The Glynn County Health Department 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 Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500 and the Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health office at 912-279-2940.

Widespread Flu Activity in Georgia

The following press release was distributed by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, do not wait any longer. Flu activity is widespread throughout Georgia, and the current flu report lists flu activity at the highest level.

“It is not too late to get a flu shot. Every individual over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine – not just for their own protection, but to protect others around them who may be more vulnerable to the flu and its complications,” says Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner. “Even if the vaccine doesn’t completely prevent illness from flu, it can help reduce the severity and risk of serious complications and keep people out of the hospital.”

Flu symptoms and their intensity can vary from person to person, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people aged 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, pregnant women, and children younger than 5 years old, but especially those younger than 2 years old.

Flu vaccine is widely available at public health departments, doctors’ offices, grocery stores, neighborhood clinics and pharmacies. To find a location near you, click on https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend the use of antiviral drugs that fight against the flu in your body. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines and are most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptoms appearing.

There are other tried and true measures you can take to help prevent the spread of flu:

  • Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and warm water.
  • Use an alcohol-based gel if you don’t have access to soap and water.
  • Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or arm.
  • Avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth, and eyes.
  • If you are sick, stay home from school or work. You should be free of a fever, without using a fever reducer, for at least 24 hours before returning to school or work.

For more information about flu and how to prevent it, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/flu. You can monitor Georgia weekly influenza reports at https://dph.georgia.gov/flu-activity-georgia. The reports are updated each Friday.

Feral Cat Tests Positive for Rabies on Sea Island

The Glynn County Health Department is alerting residents and visitors that a feral cat has tested positive for rabies on Sea Island. This is an important reminder to avoid contact with wild animals and keep your pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.

On December 5, 2023, Animal Control responded to a residential construction site on the island where workers reported an aggressive feral cat. Animal control worked with the Glynn County Health Department to have the cat tested for rabies. The health department has notified all individuals involved in the incident and is providing guidance about post-exposure rabies treatment.

Several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia – including raccoons, foxes, and bats – can carry rabies. Feral cats and dogs can carry rabies as well. Rabies is a deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals.

The Glynn County Health Department 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 Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500 and the Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health office at 912-279-2940.

CDC advises everyone to not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if brand of cantaloupes is unknown

A CDC food safety alert regarding an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to cantaloupes has been updated: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html

Key Points:

  • So far, 117 people from 34 states have been infected with this outbreak strain of Salmonella, including Georgia.
  • Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes have been recalled. Many pre-cut cantaloupe products have also been recalled. New recalls include pre-cut cantaloupe products from Kwik Trip, Bix Produce, and Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s.
  • CDC is advising people not to eat pre-cut cantaloupes if they don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand whole cantaloupes were used.
  • CDC is concerned about this outbreak because illnesses are severe with more than half hospitalized, and people in long-term care facilities and childcare centers have gotten sick. 14 people resided in long-term care facilities and 7 children attended childcare centers before they got sick.
  • CDC advises facilities that care for people who are at higher risk for severe illness to not serve cantaloupes that may be contaminated. This includes recalled cantaloupes and cantaloupe that was supplied pre-cut if the brand of whole cantaloupes used are not known.

What You Should Do:

  • Do not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if you don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used. This includes cantaloupe chunks and fruit mixes with cantaloupes at restaurants and grocery stores.
  • Do not eat any recalled whole or pre-cut cantaloupe products. If you have any, throw them away or return them to the store.
  • If the whole cantaloupe does not have a sticker, check with the store to make sure it is not a Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe.
  • Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the cantaloupe using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:

  • Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
  • Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as:
  • Not peeing much
  • Dry mouth and throat
  • Feeling dizzy when standing up

What Long-Term Care Facilities, Childcare Centers, and Hospitals Should Do

  • Do not use any recalled whole or pre-cut cantaloupes.
  • Do not serve any cantaloupe that was supplied pre-cut if you don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used.

What Businesses Should Do

  • Do not sell or serve recalled cantaloupes or products made with recalled cantaloupe, even if they have been washed.
  • Washing does not remove all germs and does not make recalled products safe to eat.
  • Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled cantaloupes.

Salmonella Symptoms:

  • Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
  • Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.
  • Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.
  • Some people—especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.

Coastal Health District Offers Gift Card Incentive Events to Encourage Vaccination Against COVID-19

Health departments in the Coastal Health District will hold several COVID-19 vaccination incentive events in December to encourage residents to get the updated COVID vaccine. Everyone age 6 months and older who has not already received the updated COVID vaccine is eligible.

All incentive events are by appointment only. Anyone with an appointment who is vaccinated at one of the events will receive a $100 retail gift card. The cost of COVID vaccination is covered by many insurance plans at no cost to the patient. For individuals without health insurance coverage, a federal program will cover the cost of vaccination.

The updated COVID vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna were released in September of this year. The vaccines provide protection against COVID variants that are currently circulating. Even if you have received a previous COVID vaccine or been infected with COVID, existing immunity wanes over time. Receiving an updated COVID vaccination significantly reduces your risk of severe complications and hospitalization from COVID infection.

COVID Vaccination Incentive Events By County

Bryan County

  • Schedule is full – no appointments remaining
  • December 14
  • Vaccine brand: Moderna

Camden County

  • Schedule is full – no appointments remaining
  • December 14
  • Vaccine brand: Moderna

Chatham County

  • Schedule is full – no appointments remaining
  • December 12 & 14, Eisenhower clinic
  • Vaccine brand: Pfizer

Effingham County

  • Schedule is full – no appointments remaining
  • December 5
  • Vaccine brand: Moderna

Glynn County

  • Schedule is full – no appointments remaining
  • December 7
  • Vaccine brand: Pfizer

Liberty County

  • Schedule is full – no appointments remaining
  • December 8
  • Vaccine brand: Moderna

Long County

  • Schedule is full – no appointments remaining
  • December 21
  • Vaccine brand: Moderna

McIntosh County

  • Schedule is full – no appointments remaining
  • December 14
  • Vaccine brand: Moderna

Coastal Health District Hosts HIV Testing Events for World AIDS Day

In honor of World AIDS Day, the Coastal Health District is offering three free HIV testing events in Savannah, including a November event where you can get a free turkey!

World AIDS Day is observed on December 1 every year, and the theme this year is “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.” The goal of World AIDS Day is to increase awareness of the impact of HIV on people’s lives, to end stigma and discrimination, to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV, and to remember those lost.

The Coastal Health District recognizes the importance of community involvement and steadfast commitment to fight this epidemic. Free HIV testing events will be held on two dates, at three locations:

  • Thursday, November 16 from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Chatham County Health Department located at 1395 Eisenhower Dr. in Savannah
    • Those who get tested also get a free turkey while supplies last!
  • Friday, December 1 from 12:00 p.m.  – 2:00 p.m. at the Chatham CARE Center located at 107B Fahm St. in Savannah
  • Friday, December 1 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the World AIDS Day Health Fair with Union Mission, Inc. at Forsyth Park in Savannah

All testing is free and confidential. Individuals must be at least 16 years of age to be tested. Results are available in about a minute.

The Coastal Health District’s HIV Program provides medical treatment and case management services for those living with HIV/AIDS. Every county health department provides free, walk-in HIV testing, and the Coastal Health District has clinics that provide HIV treatment in Savannah, Brunswick and Hinesville.

Please visit coastalhealthdistrict.org/hiv for additional information on the Coastal Health District’s HIV Services.