Virginia Department of Health

Alexandria, Virginia’s health department advises parents to schedule back-to-school vaccinations in July to avoid delays when school starts on Aug. 24. Dr. Anne Gaddy emphasizes early preparation, highlights high vaccination rates, and urges families to consult healthcare providers amid measles resurgences and ongoing COVID concerns.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) addressed a Code Red air quality alert in Hampton Roads due to wildfire smoke, with haze worsening inland. The Super Doppler 10 weather team noted visible gray skies caused by the smoke.

A rise in cyclospora cases, causing intestinal symptoms, has been reported in Virginia with 37 confirmed cases as of July 4. The CDC reports 1,645 nationwide cases, while Virginia also faces a measles outbreak with 177 cases, primarily in Buckingham and Cumberland counties.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is urging unvaccinated Powhatan residents to protect against measles as an outbreak in Buckingham County spreads to Cumberland. Concerns are rising that Powhatan could experience a similar outbreak.

The Stop the Bleed program conducted training at a Suffolk, Va. school to teach educators run-hide-fight concepts for emergency situations. The session was organized by the Western Tidewater Health District and Virginia Department of Health.

The Virginia Department of Health is monitoring cyclosporiasis cases, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite. MaryBeth DeMarco, a food-borne disease specialist, highlighted the concern.

Virginia health officials report 737 emergency department visits due to heat-related illnesses over a four-day period during the Independence Day holiday weekend. The Virginia Department of Health linked the surge in cases to extreme, record-breaking temperatures impacting the Commonwealth.

VDH issued an extreme heat warning for Fourth of July celebrations, leading to the cancellation of many Richmond events, including the 70-year-old Dogwood Dell fireworks show due to a heat wave.

Doctors are warning of heat stroke risks during the 4th of July weekend. Since May 1, around 1,400 Virginians have been to the emergency room for heat-related illnesses, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Virginia faces a dangerous heat wave with heat index values reaching up to 115 degrees through the Fourth of July weekend. Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and use cooling centers. Voluntary water conservation measures are in effect in Richmond and surrounding areas due to worsening drought conditions.

Virginia's health department cut funding for HIV clinics, leading to patients struggling to access antiretroviral medications. Nonprofit providers report insufficient state budget restoration, with clinics overwhelmed as clients near medication shortages.

Virginia health officials are promoting free CPR and AED training to prevent child drownings following recent incidents. The Virginia Department of Health offers these classes to equip residents with life-saving skills.

A fox in Suffolk, Virginia, tested positive for rabies and was euthanized by Suffolk Animal Control. The Virginia Department of Health confirmed the case, highlighting rabies as a fatal disease.

Heather Williams, a public health nurse at Wakefield High School in Arlington, was named Virginia’s Nurse of the Year for her work addressing opioid overdoses, providing naloxone access, and connecting students to health resources. She emphasized building trust with students to support their physical and mental health needs.

Virginia's measles cases have surged past 70, with most infections concentrated in Central Virginia, particularly around Buckingham County. Health officials and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now recommend measles vaccinations to prevent further spread, though many cases involve unvaccinated children under 12 linked to anti-vaccine trends.

Virginia health agencies launched the 'Beyond the Blues' campaign to raise awareness about postpartum depression and provide resources, including a website with care coordination tools and support groups. The state legislature allocated over $553,000 for the campaign and resource development.