Tag: trending

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 26, 2025
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Sees Increase in Drownings in Children Under 5 in Swimming Pools
Health Officials Urge Parents and Caregivers to Take Precautions

RICHMOND, Va. – With great sorrow, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed that six children under the age of five have tragically lost their lives to swimming pool drownings in Virginia since Memorial Day. Swimming season has just started, and these six drowning fatalities exceed Virginia’s total for the number of fatalities for young children for each of the last three years. The Virginia Department of Health urges parents and caregivers to take precautions with children in or near swimming pools or other bodies of water.

“We join with the families and communities grieving the loss of these young lives,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “These numbers are heartbreaking. Swimming and playing in pools can be fun, particularly on blistering hot days, but pools can also be dangerous. Families should take caution in and around pools. Children in pools should be supervised at all times, and pools should be gated and secured to prevent access when supervision is not available. Please consider enrolling children in swimming lessons. We want to do everything we can to prevent any more lives lost.”

In the last three years, Virginia had a total of nine pool drownings in children under five years old – three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and four. But drownings aren’t limited to small children. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 500 people accidentally drowned in Virginia. Nearly a fifth of them were under the age of 19.

Drownings happen quickly and quietly. Parents and caregivers can take the following precautions to help keep children safe in and around pools:

• Active Supervision: Never leave a child alone near a pool/spa, bathtub, toilet, or standing body of water. When supervising children who are near the water, adults should be free from distractions.
• Swim Lessons: Teach children basic swimming and water safety skills. Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. Children, even those who’ve had swimming lessons, still need close and constant supervision in or around water.
• Learn CPR: Bystander-initiated CPR can make the difference in someone’s life while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
• Approved Safety Devices: Floaties, water wings, pool noodles and inner tubes are toys. These air-filled or foam toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe. Only use S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Barriers and Alarms: Install barriers and alarms to prevent children from gaining access to a pool or open water unsupervised.
• Avoid Swimming After Dark: Swimming after dark makes it hard to see if someone is drowning.
• Listen to the Lifeguard: Make sure to listen to any directions from the lifeguard and follow all advisories. But remember a lifeguard does not replace the need for active supervision of any children in and around the water.

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Remember: swim safe, stay safe!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 25, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Another Potential Measles Exposure in Northern Virginia
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport on Thursday, June 19. The confirmed case is an international traveler visiting North Carolina. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

Listed below is the date, time, and location of the potential exposure site in Virginia:

• Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Thursday, June 19:
  • Concourse A, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB), and in the baggage claim area between 7:45 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
  • Departures area of Main Terminal, East Security Checkpoint, on transportation to Concourse C and inside Concourse C between 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.

To date in 2025, Virginia has three reported cases of measles. For the latest information on measles cases and exposures in Virginia, please visit the VDH Measles website.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
• Non-immune individuals may qualify for post-exposure treatments. People who might have been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to coordinate administration of post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department.

For more information about measles, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 14, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Potential Measles Exposure in Northern Virginia
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport and the Washington Area Metro on Sunday, June 8. The confirmed case is an international traveler visiting the Washington, D.C. area. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

Listed below is the date, time, and location of the potential exposure site:

• Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Sunday, June 8:
  • Concourse A, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB), and in the baggage claim area between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Washington Area Metro on Sunday, June 8:
  • Silver Line Train from Dulles International Airport station transferring at the Metro Center Station to the Red Line Train heading towards Shady Grove Station between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

To date in 2025, Virginia has three reported cases of measles. For the latest information on measles cases and exposures in Virginia, please visit the VDH Measles website.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
• Non-immune individuals may qualify for post-exposure treatments. People who might have been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to coordinate administration of post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department.

For more information about measles, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 5, 2025
Media Contact: Logan Anderson, logan.anderson@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Confirm Third 2025 Measles Case in the State
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state’s third measles case of the year. The patient is a child (0-4 years) in the Northwest Region who developed symptoms after exposure to another Virginia measles case. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Public health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of potential exposure sites in Virginia:

• SugarBear Ice Cream, located at 1522 E. High Street in Charlottesville on Saturday, May 31, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Indoor exposures pose the greatest risk for measles.  There is minimal risk of exposure for people who were only outdoors at this location.
• Lowe’s Home Improvement, located at 400 Woodbrook Drive in Charlottesville on Sunday, June 1, between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

This case is the third case reported in Virginia in 2025. The first case was reported in April and the second case was reported in May. For the latest information on measles cases in Virginia, please visit the Reportable Disease Monthly Surveillance Report.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
• Non-immune individuals may qualify for post-exposure treatments. People who might have been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to coordinate administration of post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 23, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Confirm Second 2025 Measles Case in the State
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state’s second measles case of the year. The patient is a teenager (13-17 years) in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of potential exposure sites in Virginia:

• Charlottesville Albemarle Airport on Tuesday, May 20 between 2:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Play it Again Sports, located at 1885 Seminole Trail in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 2:40 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Goodwill Store and Donation Center, located at 440 Gander Drive in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 3:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• UVA Health Primary Care Riverside, located at 2335 Seminole Lane, Suite 200 in Charlottesville on Thursday, May 22 from 2 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
• UVA Health University Medical Center Emergency Department, located at 1215 Lee St. in Charlottesville on Friday, May 23 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

This case is the second case reported in Virginia in 2025. The first case was reported in April. For the latest information on measles cases in Virginia, please visit the Reportable Disease Monthly Surveillance Report.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
• Non-immune individuals may qualify for post-exposure treatments. People who might have been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to coordinate administration of post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/

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For Immediate Release: May 23, 2025
Contacts: Office of the Governor: Peter Finocchio, Peter.finocchio@governor.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Health: Marian Hunter, marian.hunter@vdh.virginia.gov

Governor Glenn Youngkin Celebrates EMS Week with Special Event Recognizing the Governor’s EMS Award Recipients

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin has proclaimed May 18–24, 2025, as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in Virginia. To mark the occasion, he hosted a special event at the Virginia Executive Mansion to honor recipients of the 2024 Governor’s EMS Awards. Coordinated by the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH’s) Office of Emergency Medical Services, these awards represent the highest level of recognition in Virginia’s EMS system and celebrate providers, agencies, and community partners who demonstrate excellence in emergency medical care.

This year’s EMS Week theme, “We Care. For Everyone,” reflects the vital role EMS professionals play in delivering skilled, compassionate care—anytime, anywhere, to anyone.

“Virginia’s EMS providers are true heroes—responding with courage, skill, and compassion during life’s most critical moments,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Their service saves lives every day, strengthens our communities, and makes Virginia’s emergency care system among the best in the nation. It was a privilege to honor them during EMS Week.”

“Virginia’s EMS system is one of the strongest in the country because of the professionals and volunteers who show up for their neighbors in times of crisis,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “These award recipients remind us of the extraordinary care happening every day across Virginia—from our smallest towns to our largest cities.”

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the highly skilled and dedicated professionals recognized—and to the countless EMS providers across Virginia who serve with such distinction,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, M.D. “Whether restarting a heart, stopping a bleed, reversing an overdose, or assessing for stroke, these providers make a critical difference every day in saving lives and strengthening our emergency response system.”

Last year, EMS providers responded to 1.74 million calls for help across Virginia—an average of 4,754 incidents per day. Nearly 40,000 certified EMS professionals and more than 500 agencies deliver skilled, compassionate prehospital care statewide.

“It is an honor to celebrate the contributions of these award winners during Virginia’s EMS Week,” said VDH Chief Operating Officer Christopher Lindsay. “They were nominated by their peers for the important work they’ve done on behalf of Virginia’s EMS System. As a longtime volunteer EMS provider in Virginia myself, I have a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for the sacrifices these individuals—and their families—make to provide lifesaving care in their communities.”

During EMS Week, Virginia’s EMS agencies host community activities, open houses, and more. These family-friendly events encourage citizens to meet and get to know their local first responders.

Congratulations to the 2024 Governor’s EMS Award recipients:

• The Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS – J.C. Bolling, Southwest Virginia EMS Council
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in EMS – Christina Rauch, Mary Washington Healthcare  
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS – Jason Edsall, M.D., Grayson County Emergency Services
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS –Cathy C. Fox, R.N., U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency, Naval Medical Center
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Prehospital Educator – Donna Speakes, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Prehospital Provider – Aaron L. Black, York County Fire & Life Safety  
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Health and Safety – Richmond Ambulance Authority 
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children – Amy Dunn-Brown, Suffolk Fire and Rescue  
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Agency – Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad  
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Telecommunication – Taylor J. Clayton, Bedford 911 Communications Center
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS Emergency Preparedness and Response – Virginia-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team
• The Governor’s EMS Award for Innovation in EMS – Caroline Juran, Virginia Board of Pharmacy

An additional recognition is presented in conjunction with these awards for the outstanding contributions to EMS by a high school senior. This is a scholarship award provided by the Virginia Office of EMS in collaboration with the State EMS Advisory Board.

• The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior – Madison Kelly, Western Albemarle Rescue Squad

To learn more about the VDH’s Office of EMS, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 2, 2025
Media Contact: Tristen Franklin, tristen.franklin@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health and Office of Vital Records Release Top Baby Names for 2024, Other Interesting Virginia Birth Data

RICHMOND, Va. – Choosing the perfect baby’s name is one of the first big decisions for new parents. However, certain names stole the spotlight in 2024 in the state of Virginia. Whether inspired by timeless classics, modern trends, or cultural favorites, these names are winning over families across the state. But the best name of all the 94,443 babies born in 2024 is the one you chose for your own bundle of joy.

“The 2024 list showcases a blend of strong, meaningful names that parents are embracing for their little ones,” said Celes Davis, chief deputy state registrar for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Today, the Office of Vital Records (OVR) in the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) unveils its lists of top 15 baby names for children born in the Commonwealth in 2024. Curious to see if your favorite made the list?

Liam and Charlotte continue to hold their reign as Virginia’s most popular baby names in 2024, just as they did in 2023. Liam remains the top choice for boys, while Charlotte keeps its crown as the most popular name for girls, marking another year at the top.

Overall, for boys born in 2024, after Liam, the names of Noah, James, Oliver, William, Henry, Theodore, Lucas, Elijah, John, Levi, Ethan, Dylan, Benjamin and Michael rounded out the Top 15. The remaining popular girl’s names were Olivia, Emma, Sophia, Amelia, Isabella, Mia, Ava, Eleanor, Evelyn, Harper, Elizabeth, Sofia, Abigail and Aurora.

Data also reveals the most popular baby names for Asian, Black, Hispanic and White parents.

Among Asian parents, the Top Five boys’ and girls’ names were Noah and Sophia, followed by Muhammad, Henry, Lucas and Ethan for the boys and Emma, Olivia, Chloe and Eliana for the girls. Black parents’ Top Five boys’ and girls’ names were Noah and Nova, followed by Amir, Josiah, Elijah and Ezra for the boys and Naomi, Ava, Brielle and Zuri for the girls. Among Hispanic parents, the top boys’ and girls’ names were Liam and Mia with Dylan, Matteo, Noah and Thiago rounding out the Top Five for boys and with Isabella, Sofia, Genesis and Camila round out the Top Five for girls. For White parents, James and Charlotte were the most popular names followed by William, Oliver, Henry and Theodore rounding out the Top Five for boys and Olivia, Eleanor, Amelia and Emma rounding out the Top Five for girls.

Baby name trends are always evolving, and over the past five years, we’ve seen some exciting shifts. From 2019 to 2024, new favorites have emerged, classic names have made comebacks, and unique picks have skyrocketed in popularity. Whether inspired by pop culture, nature, or timeless elegance, these rising baby names are shaping a whole new generation. Curious which names are climbing the charts? Let’s take a look at the baby names on the rise.

Boys

Rank	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
1	Liam	Liam	Liam	Liam	Liam	Liam
2	Noah	Noah	Noah	Noah	Noah	Noah
3	William	William	James	James	James	James
4	James	James	William	William	Oliver	William
5	Lucas	Oliver	Oliver	Oliver	William	Oliver

 

Girls

Rank	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
1	Ava	Charlotte	Charlotte	Charlotte	Charlotte	Charlotte
2	Charlotte	Olivia	Olivia	Olivia	Olivia	Olivia
3	Olivia	Ava	Emma	Emma	Emma	Sophia
4	Emma	Emma	Ava	Ava	Sophia	Emma
5	Sophia	Amelia	Sophia	Amelia	Amelia	Amelia

In 1998, more than a quarter of a century ago, parents were choosing names that would define a generation. Jacob and Emily topped the charts as the most popular baby names when 912 baby boys were named Jacob, and 684 baby girls were named Emily. Other classics like Matthew, Hannah, Michael and Sarah followed close behind. Information about popular names in each of the 50 states going back to 1960 is available from the Social Security Administration by using its Popular Names by Decade tool.

Ever wondered when most babies make their grand entrance into the world? Turns out, some days, months, and even weekdays are busier than others when it comes to birthdays! From the most common birth date to fun twin and triplet stats, here are some fascinating birth facts from 2024:

• Month Most Births Occurred In: August (8,370)
• Day Most Births Occurred on: October 18 (344 births)
• Most common birthday of the week: Friday (14,274 births)
• Least common birthday of the week: Sunday (8,778 births)
• Total Born as Twins: 2,806
• Total Born as Triplets: 53
• New Year’s Eve Births (December 31, 2023): 177
• New Year’s Day Births (January 1, 2024): 161
• Babies sharing a birthday with Mom: 277
• Babies sharing a birthday with Dad: 283

If you are looking for more records like this for the state of Virginia, the Office of Vital Records is Virginians’ one-stop shop for any number of personal records requests including birth and death certificates, and marriage and divorce records.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 19, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Updated April 28 to Expand an Exposure Location
Virginia Health Officials Confirm First 2025 Measles Case in the State
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state’s first measles case of the year. The patient is a child (0-4 years) in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.

“This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel,” said VDH State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano, D.O., M.P.H. “Vaccination remains our best defense against measles and is safe and highly effective at protecting people and preventing outbreaks. We urge Virginians, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status, talk to their health care provider, and get the MMR vaccine if needed.”

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of potential exposure sites in Virginia:

• Kaiser Permanente Caton Hill Medical Center, Advanced Urgent Care, Laboratory, Radiology and Pharmacy Departments, located at 13285 Minnieville Road in Woodbridge on Tuesday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Please note: this location now includes the Laboratory, Radiology and Pharmacy areas, in addition to the originally announced Advanced Urgent Care area of the building.)
• Kaiser Permanente Fredericksburg Medical Center, Pediatrics Department, located at 1201 Hospital Drive in Fredericksburg on Wednesday, April 16 from noon to 5 p.m.

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/

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Governor Youngkin Announces New Virginia Department of Health Maternal and Child Health Data Dashboards

RICHMOND, Va. – Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the launch of an upgraded Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Dashboard and two new dashboards to monitor and provide actionable data on maternal mortality and pregnancy-associated deaths. The data are designed to be used as a resource to establish best practices to assist mothers during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This is a part of the Administration’s ongoing effort to support Virginia moms and improve maternal health outcomes. more>>