Category: Weekly Situation Update

Key Takeaways

• • • VDH lifted its remaining Recreational Water Advisory on the Potomac river.
    • Tornado season has had an early start in the US, including an ESF-0 that caused minor damage in Martinsville, VA.
    • Crime statistics continue to show a decline, but victimization surveys add caveats to that trend.
    • Though there is no evidence of links, bomb threats and drone sightings extend anxieties about domestic impacts of the Mideast conflict.

OEP Weekly Situation Update.

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Key Takeaways

• • • Virginia reported 4 new measles cases in the past week, all in Southwest Virginia.
    • Several suspected lone-wolf terror attacks have occurred in the past couple of weeks. Federal officials have issued warnings about potential security threats, though no specific threats have been identified.
    • Virginia joined the Northeast Public Health Collaborative.

OEP Weekly Situation Update.

This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.

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Key Takeaways

• • • Mideast conflict is elevating security concerns. The Dept of Homeland Security notes that large-scale attacks are unlikely.
    • Respiratory illness is stable after ticking up last week. Gastrointestinal illness remains above threshold in all Virginia regions.
    • VDH reported a potential measles exposure in Centra Lynchburg General Hospital Emergency Department on Mar 2.
    • VDH partially lifted its recreational water advisory on the Potomac.

OEP Weekly Situation Update.

This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.

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Key Takeaways

• • • Respiratory disease activity increased in Virginia last week, driven by increased flu activity among 5-17 year-olds.
    • 2026 US measles cases surpassed 1,000.
    • Gastrointestinal illness activity is trending up in Virginia, and is above threshold statewide and in all Virginia regions.
    • 2025 was among the three warmest years on record, with temperatures approaching the 1.5°C IPCC warming threshold.

OEP Weekly Situation Update.

This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.

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Key Takeaways

• • • Virginia reported its 8th, 9th and 10th measles cases of 2026.
    • Despite slowing, the SC measles outbreak continues to spread, and outbreaks in other states are raising concerns.
    • VDH reaffirmed its commitment to vaccines, eschewing new federal recommendations.
    • Preliminary estimates suggest fatal drug overdoses declined in Virginia for the fourth straight year.

OEP Weekly Situation Update.

This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.

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Key Takeaways

• • • Bitter cold is forecast across Virginia this weekend. Much of the state will experience high winds.
    • Virginia reported its 5th measles case of 2026, with potential exposure sites in Northern Virginia.
    • The US is experiencing a severe blood shortage following weeks of winter weather.
    • Geopolitical and societal risks threaten global stability in the short-term. Environmental and technological threats pose more far-reaching risks in the long-term.

OEP Weekly Situation Update.

This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.

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Key Takeaways

• • • Another winter storm is expected to bring snow to most of the state this weekend. Coastal Virginia could experience blizzard conditions (high snowfall rates, high winds, low visibility).
    • South Carolina’s measles outbreak surpassed last year’s West Texas outbreak, becoming the largest this century.
    • Ethiopia’s Marburg outbreak is over and the Africa CDC has ended its Public Health Emergency for mpox.
    • Nonmedical vaccination exemption rates increased in over half of US counties.

OEP Weekly Situation Update.

This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.

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Key Takeaways

• • • The Governor’s office declared a state of emergency ahead of a winter storm coming this weekend. Extreme impacts from snow, sleet, ice, and extreme cold are expected into next week.
    • Gastrointestinal illness activity is above threshold statewide, and in all regions of Virginia. 
    • South Carolina’s measles outbreak has produced a substantial number of cases over the past few weeks. 
    • Virginia reported its third measles case of 2026. All cases were in children 0-4 years of age. 

OEP Weekly Situation Update.

This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.

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Key Takeaways

• • • Respiratory disease activity is moderate and trending down in Virginia and nationally. Activity is mostly driven by flu, but flu activity has continued its decline in the new year.
    • Virginia will inaugurate its 75th governor this weekend. Multiple events are planned in Richmond.
    • South Carolina reported 124 new measles cases in its Upstate outbreak, which now has 434 cases.
    • Immigration enforcement-related demonstrations continued, with intense activity in some cities.

OEP Weekly Situation Update.

This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.

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Key Takeaways

• • • Respiratory disease activity is high in Virginia and nationally. Activity is mostly driven by flu, but flu activity dipped over the New Year holiday.
    • COVID-19 activity is showing early signs of increasing, particularly among very young and senior Virginians.
    • Federal vaccine policy continues to shift, and to face criticism.

OEP Weekly Situation Update.

This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.

Subscribe to have this update emailed to your inbox.