More Cases of Swine Flu in Georgia

Georgia health officials have confirmed four more cases of swine flu, bringing the state's total to eight, with six associated with a private school in Henry County. Doctor Elizabeth Ford, head of the state Division of Public Health, said Wednesday the new cases are associated with a group of students from Eagle's Landing Christian Academy in McDonough. None have been hospitalized. All were initially identified as students who traveled together on a field trip out of state. Officials could not confirm the destination of the trip. Georgia officials say they are now able to confirm cases without the help of the Centers for Disease Control and prevention. Ford said testing for swine flu will continue for hospitalized patients, but the department will use seasonal monitoring methods for all others.

Health officials: rabies cases up 60% in '08

The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association says two hundred and fifteen animals were reported with the disease in the first half of this year. That’s up from one hundred and thirty four cases in 2007.

But officials aren’t sure if the rise is from greater outbreaks of the disease, or better reporting.

Dr. Dana Cole is a GVMA member and a Georgia Division of Public Health veterinarian:

"We have seen the number of rabid animals reported to the Georgia Division of Public Health undergo a cycle, but this year is already worse than last."

Cole says rabies cases in Hall County in northern Georgia tripled this year, and says that raccoons and skunks figure high on the reports:

"They tend to come from the northern part of the state. That’s partly a function of population because it’s less rural so there’s more opportunities to contact wildlife, and also because of the natural habitat there."

Health officials add that the number of positive cases has fluctuated between 200 to 500 annually.

While stockpiles of human rabies vaccine are low, the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta says more vaccine should be available by October, according to a GVMA statement.

Officials call on the public to vaccinate pets and livestock, avoid contact with wild animals and get medical attention immediately after exposure to or being bitten by any unfamiliar animal.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of rabies outbreaks in Georgia.