Last Updated: June 30, 2023
Key Takeaways
- Respiratory disease rates remain low across the Commonwealth. Flu has largely tapered out. COVID-19 hospitalizations are up slightly but remain lower than they were in May. Most wastewater facilities are reporting that COVID-19 viral loads are too low to detect. None are reporting growth.
- A new COVID-19 variant (EU.1.1) is growing quickly in the American southwest. So far it does not seem to be causing an increase in cases.
- Smoke from Canadian wildfires has blanketed Virginia in particulate matter. This has greatly reduced air quality and threatens sensitive individuals. The inflammation caused by exposure to smoke may also make people more vulnerable to respiratory infections. As such, even healthy individuals should avoid prolonged exposure to the smoke, which is expected to dissipate in the coming days.
- Temperatures are expected to exceed 100° F across much of the Commonwealth in the coming week. Combined with wildfire smoke, the heat may make outdoor work and recreation difficult.
- Florida and Texas are battling unrelated, locally acquired malaria outbreaks. The CDC has issued a health advisory for the affected areas.
- Colorado is reporting a handful of new mpox cases. Europe has also reported some growth. The CDC warns that another summer outbreak may be possible.
VDH OEP Weekly Situation Update.
The VDH surveillance data update was not produced this week. We expect a full report including surveillance update and UVA Biocomplexity Institute slides to be included with the July 14th update. Happy Independence Day!
This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.
The VDH OEP Weekly Situation Update is produced by the VDH Office of Emergency Preparedness. This update covers ongoing or potential public health and emergency preparedness issues, including COVID-19. This product is intended to enhance situational awareness among the public health, healthcare, and emergency management communities. Some items covered may pose little or no threat to the public at large. These items are included for situational awareness only and do not represent an endorsement of the source or information therein.