A stray cat in downtown Helen tested positive for rabies, White County officials say. The county will post warning signs and asks anyone exposed to contact environmental health.

A new American Cancer Society analysis ties state-level HPV vaccination rates to uneven drops in cervical cancer among young women. Gains are strong in some states and stalled in others.

A UMN public‑health alert ties ByHeart powdered formula to 51 infant botulism cases across 19 states. All infants were hospitalized; officials report no deaths so far.

CDC posted Level 2 travel notices after chikungunya outbreaks in Bolivia, Cuba, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Suriname; travelers should prevent mosquito bites and discuss vaccines.

State and national 988 data show Georgia’s in‑state answer rate plunged after a vendor staffing change, routing more callers out of state and raising abandonment. Officials and advocates are pressing for fixes.

A state-run dashboard from the Georgia APCD lists median and facility-level prices for 200+ procedures, letting Georgians compare costs by ZIP code and insurer.

Emory, Grady and Piedmont say months of drills and new coordination have hospitals ready for the World Cup, though locals remain worried about ER capacity after 2022 closures.

KJ's Market in Waynesboro, GA, has issued a recall for ground beef sold on January 18, 2026, due to potential contamination from meat processing equipment. No injuries reported; consumers advised to return or dispose of the product.

Athens-Clarke County Library hosts a session on lead safety and historic home preservation, featuring a presentation by Taneisha Brooks from Historic Athens.

The old Atlanta Medical Center is being demolished for redevelopment that will include modern amenities, respecting city heritage and Dr. King's legacy.

Cobb County has released a booklist promoting mental well-being, offering a variety of reading materials for all ages to encourage mindfulness and self-care in the new year.

Georgia is experiencing a "very high" flu activity level, impacting children significantly, with a recent hospitalization spike and concerns over mutated strains and low vaccination rates.

The Georgia Department of Community Health has applied for federal funding under the RHT Program to improve rural health care, with the outcome pending a December 31, 2025 decision.