Category: VDH

Every year on March 24, World TB Day is observed around the world. World TB Day raises awareness about the significant health and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and is a time to advocate for TB prevention and elimination activities. Elimination of TB in the United States depends on the success of global TB programs. 

About TB 

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). It is an illness that mainly affects the lungs, although it can attack any part of the body. TB is the leading cause of death worldwide from an infectious disease.  

The good news is that TB is both preventable and curable. Appropriate screening, testing and proper medical treatment can save lives. Treatment usually involves taking antibiotics for six to nine months for active disease and for as little as three months for latent TB infection (LTBI).  

How TB Spreads 

Tuberculosis spreads through the air when someone with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, laughs, sings, or even talks. Someone with active TB disease may spread it to people nearby, such as friends, family, coworkers, and schoolmates. 

You cannot get TB by sharing food or shaking hands, but spending a lot of time close to someone who is sick can increase the risk.  

Symptoms of TB 

Common symptoms include: 

• Cough that lasts more than 3 weeks 

•  Fever 

• Weight loss 

• Night sweats 

• Fatigue 

• Decreased appetite 

• Chest pain 

Latent TB Infection 

People who have Latent TB Infection (LTBI) are infected with the M. tuberculosis bacteria but have not developed active TB disease.  

People with LTBI do not feel sick, so they often do not know they carry the bacteria. They do not have any symptoms and are not contagious. 

However, about 10 percent of people with LTBI will develop active TB over their lifetime. Treatment for LTBI can prevent progression to active TB disease.  

People with certain health conditions that weaken the immune system such as diabetes or HIV, have a higher risk of developing active TB if they have LTBI.  

TB in Virginia 

TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.  

In 2025, Virginia had 194 cases of TB. This was a 14% decrease from the 225 cases reported in 2024. There was a decrease from 2025 in the number of children under the age of five diagnosed with active TB, but an increase in people with TB who were resistant to two of the primary drugs used to treat TB. Diabetes continues to be a primary comorbidity for people with TB. In 2025, 27% of people with TB disease also had diabetes. In 2025, 27 health districts provided care for someone with active TB disease.  

You can learn about additional Virginia data, including: 

• Local counts and rates for TB for 2025. 

• The 2025 fact sheet about TB in Virginia.  

• Annual reports, fact sheets, and local data prior to 2025. 

World TB Day reminds us that ending TB is achievable and that we all have a role to play.  We can learn the symptoms, encourage others to seek medical care, help reduce the stigma around the disease, and advocate for awareness and resources. By increasing awareness, we can move closer to ending TB and building healthier communities for all. 

Learn More  

• VDH Tuberculosis 

 

World Doula Day is celebrated annually on March 22 to kick off World Doula Week.  VDH is using this opportunity to recognize the professionals who assist women during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, and to highlight our program to certify Doulas in Virginia. 

What is a Doula? 

Doulas are trained professionals who provide guidance through childbirth or other reproductive health experiences, including miscarriage, abortion, or stillbirth. In recent years, the term “doula” has also been applied to professionals who support people through non-pregnancy related health experiences such as death (end-of-life doulas). 

Doulas are birth companions who provide emotional, physical, and informational support during childbirth and in the postpartum period. They may also act as an advocate, supporting the woman’s right to make health decisions regarding her own body and the baby. Unlike partners, family members, or friends who may be present during birth, doulas have a formal training in birth support. Doulas are not medical professionals because they are not trained to provide medical treatment, but they are a critical part of the patient’s care team.  

What are the benefits of having a doula present during childbirth? According to statistics, doula support is associated with: 

• shorter delivery times 

• fewer C-sections and birth complications 

• fewer analgesic and epidural requests 

• less time in the NICU  

• more satisfying birth experiences, and 

• increased breastfeeding.  

The support of a doula also increases new parents’ confidence in taking care of the newborn. 

What is VDH’s Doula Program? 

VDH manages Virginia’s State-Doula Certification Program.   A State-Certified Doula is a trained, community-based nonmedical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant woman. They will provide support throughout pregnancy, at labor and delivery, and after the pregnancy.  A Virginia State-Certified Doula must be approved by the Virginia Certification Board (VCB). 

 

Learn more about Virginia’s State-Doula Certification Program. 

On World Oral Health Day, VDH wants to remind everyone that good oral health is more than having a bright smile. 

About Oral Health 

Oral health refers to health of the teeth, gums, and related structures. Having good oral health can affect our ability to eat, speak, smile, and connect with others. 

Oral health is vital to the management and prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory illness as well as overall wellness. 

You aren’t really healthy without good oral health! 

 Some of the most common diseases and conditions that impact our oral health include: 

• Cavities (tooth decay) 

• Periodontal (gum) diseases 

• Oral cancers 

• Tooth loss 

Steps for Good Oral Health 

The good news is that most oral diseases and conditions are preventable.  

Simple daily habits can make a big difference:  

• Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.  

• Floss daily.  

• Get a dental check-up and professional cleanings at least once a year.   

• Eat a healthy diet, limiting sugary drinks and foods. 

• Avoid tobacco products. 

Oral Health and Chronic Conditions 

Oral health is a key part of our overall health and well-being as it’s linked to a variety of chronic conditions: 

• Diabetes: Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugars. Diabetics are three times more likely to have gum disease than non-diabetics.  

• Heart Disease: Periodontal patients are 1-2 times more likely to have a heart attack. Bleeding with brushing is not normal and is often the first warning sign of a serious problem.  

• Lung Disease/Breathing Problems: Bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, making lung disease worse and increasing the risk of pneumonia.  

• Stroke: The fatty blockages in the arteries of stroke victims contain the same bacteria that is found in the mouth.  

• Pregnancy: Pregnant people who have gum disease are seven times more likely to have premature or low birthweight babies.  

• Oral Cancer: Many cancers and viruses can be detected early by signs and symptoms in the mouth. 

Oral Health for Everyone 

Unfortunately, many Virginians face barriers accessing oral health care. Some people face barriers like high costs, lack of insurance, transportation, or too few providers in their community.   

In Virginia: 

• 31% of adults do not have dental coverage. 

• Only 27% of practicing dentists treat Virginians enrolled in Medicaid or Family Access to Medical Insurance Security, and public insurance programs for people who have low incomes or disabilities.  

• 13 Virginia localities have fewer than one full-time dentist 

• This includes eight localities with no full-time dentist 

Programs like VDH’s Dental Health Program can help by providing dental screenings, treatments, and education to those facing barriers to care.  

When everyone has access to quality oral healthcare, we can all smile bigger.  

Learn More 

Learn more about oral health at www.vdh.virginia.gov/oral-health/. 

 

 

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is more than just a bump on the head. It’s an injury that affects how the brain works and can lead to short- or long-term health problems. 

TBIs may be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a penetrating injury to the head (such as from a gunshot). 

Some injuries are mild, like a concussion. Others are moderate or severe injuries that may require hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing support. 

Common causes of TBIs include: 

• Firearms 

• Falls 

• Motor vehicle accidents 

• Being hit (sports injuries, assaults) 

Falls are especially important to highlight because they account for a large share of TBI-related hospitalizations. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries in Virginia 

In 2024, Virginia had almost 6,000 hospitalizations for TBI.  

 Older adults are more likely to be hospitalized and die from a TBI compared with other age groups. TBIs may also be missed or misdiagnosed in older adults because symptoms can overlap with other conditions that are more common with aging, including dementia. If an older adult falls—especially if they hit their head or are taking blood thinners—getting checked by a healthcare provider is a smart and often time-sensitive step. 

Concussion 

A concussion is a mild type of TBI that changes the way the brain normally works.  

A concussion is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. It can also be caused by a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.  

It’s important to know that a concussion can occur without a loss of consciousness. 

Some symptoms may appear right away, while others may not appear for hours or days after the injury. Symptoms generally improve over time. Most people with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks. 

Common concussion symptoms can include: 

• Headache 

• Balance problems or dizziness   

• Nausea/Vomiting (especially early on) 

• Sensitivity to light or noise   

• Blurred vision or double vision   

• Feeling “dazed”, sluggish, foggy or groggy   

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering   

• Sleep changes (sleeping more/less, trouble falling asleep)   

• Mood changes (feeling irritable, sad, nervous or more emotional 

• Trouble thinking or concentrating 

• Will not stop crying and are inconsolable (children only) 

• Will not nurse or eat (children only) 

With proper care, most people can return to work, school, and other activities within a few days or weeks, but some people will have symptoms for months or longer. Follow-uping up with a healthcare provider is critical if symptoms linger. 

When to seek emergency care (Danger Signs) 

Call 911 or go to the emergency department right away if someone has a bump/blow/jolt to the head and then develops danger signs such as:  

• A headache that gets worse and does not go away 

• Repeated vomiting 

• Weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, seizures/convulsions 

• Slurred speech or unusual behavior (confusion, agitation, inability to recognize people/places) 

• One pupil larger than the other 

• Increasing drowsiness, inability to wake up, or loss of consciousness 

Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference 

 Everyday steps can help reduce the risk of brain injury: 

In vehicles 

• Wear a seat belt every trip and use the correct car seat/booster for children 

In sports and recreation 

• Wear a properly fitted helmet for biking and sports where helmets are recommended. 

• Follow safety rules and learn the signs and symptoms of concussion.  

Preventing falls—especially for older adults 

• Make the home safer (remove tripping hazards, add handrails/grab bars, improve lighting). 

• Stay physically active to maintain strength and balance. 

• Review medications with a provider (some can increase fall risk). 

• Keep vision prescriptions up to date. 

Learn More 

• VDH Traumatic Brain Injury site  

• Virginia Injury Violence Data 

• CDC Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion site  

• CDC Heads Up to Brain Injury Awareness page  

• Brain Injury Association of America’s About Brain Injury page 

World HPV Awareness Day is a day to talk about the human papillomavirus (HPV).  It’s a time to clear up myths and remind people that many HPV-related cancers are preventable.  With the tools we have, preventing HPV-related cancer is possible, with awareness as the first step. 

About HPV 

HPV is spread through close and intimate skin-to-skin contact.  Roughly 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime. 

Most people who have HPV have no symptoms and are unaware they have it.  This is because HPV infections often clear up on their own. 

HPV and Cancer 

However, some HPV types can cause cancer. There are more than 200 types of HPV, with about 12 types being linked to cancer.  Each year in the United States, an estimated 36,500 men and women are diagnosed with a cancer caused by an HPV infection.  

Protection Against HPV 

The good news is that we have safe and effective tools to help prevent cancer caused by HPV.  

HPV Vaccine 

One of the best cancer prevention tools we have is the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers from ever developing.   

The HPV vaccine works best when given well before exposure to the virus. 

• The HPV vaccine is recommended for routine vaccination at age 11 to 12 years of age. Vaccination can also start as early as 9 years of age.  

• The HPV vaccine produces the strongest immune response in preteens. 

• In Virginia, 3 out of 4 thirteen-year-olds are vaccinated with at least one dose of HPV. 

• People aged 26 years and younger who are not fully vaccinated are recommended to get the vaccine.   

• Some adults age 27 and older may choose to get vaccinated, in consultation with a healthcare provider.   

• The HPV vaccine is available for free through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program for eligible children ages 9-18 years old. 

Screening for HPV  

• Screening for HPV is another safe and effective tool for preventing HPV related cancer however it is not available for all cancers caused by HPV.  

• Women should start getting screened for cervical cancer at age 21. Screening can include HPV and/or Pap tests.   

• A healthcare provider can help determine which screening test is best and how often a woman should get screened.   

• Eligible women can get free screenings through the Every Woman’s Life Program. 

Research is still being done on HPV tests for other parts of the body. People with concerns about other HPV-related cancers should talk with a healthcare provider.  

Other Prevention Steps   

• Practice Safer Sex 

• • Limiting the number of sex partners and avoiding sexual activity with people who have had many other sex partners can help lower your risk of exposure to HPV.  

• • Use a barrier method (condom or dental dam) during sex. This can reduce (but not eliminate) the chance of HPV spreading.   

• If you smoke, stop or cut back if you can. Smoking exposure significantly increases cervical cancer risk.   

More Information  

• HPV – American Cancer Society 

• VDH HPV Vaccine Webpage 

• Every Woman’s Life Program