2026 Statewide News Releases

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March 4, 2026

Virginia to Join Northeast Public Health Collaborative  

(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Commonwealth of Virginia has officially joined the Northeast Public Health Collaborative (NEPHC). The Northeast Public Health Collaborative is a voluntary regional coalition of public health agencies and leaders brought together to share expertise, improve coordination, enhance capacity, strengthen regional readiness, and promote and protect evidence-based public health. more>>


March 3, 2026

Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services Launches New Logo to Reflect Unified Commitment to Virginia’s EMS System 

RICHMOND, Va.  The Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) recently launched its new logo to reflect a unified identity and strengthened commitment to Virginia’s EMS providers, system partners and the communities they serve. more>>


February 24, 2026

Virginia Department of Health and Office of Vital Records Release Top Baby Names for 2025, Other Interesting Virginia Birth Data

Richmond, Va. – For many parents, choosing a name for their child is a joyful yet significant decision. Last year, a few names dominated the charts in Virginia. From timeless classics to trendy picks and cultural gems, these names captured the hearts of families across the state. But among the 96,683 babies born in 2025, the real chart-topper is the name you chose for your own little one. more>>


February 19, 2026

Virginia Department of Health Reaffirms its Commitment to Vaccines as a Critical Tool in Protecting the Health of Families and Communities  

Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reaffirming its commitment to vaccines as an essential tool in protecting the health of children, their families, and their communities. VDH recommends that children are vaccinated in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. VDH expects that healthcare providers will continue to rely on their clinical training and professional judgment and consult information published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians when engaging in shared clinical decision-making with parents, caregivers, and patients. more>>


February 6, 2026

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Confirmed Measles Case and an Exposure in Northern Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting a confirmed case of measles in a resident of the Northern Region. The patient is a pre-school age child (0-4 years). Additionally, VDH was notified of a confirmed case of measles that is a resident of another state and traveled through Ronald Regan Washington National airport on January 26. To protect the patients’ privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patients. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed. more>>


February 5, 2026

Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Encourage Virginians to Care for Their Mental Health During Winter Weather

RICHMOND, VA – As temperatures remain low and travel is impacted across Virginia, many Virginians might be experiencing feelings of stress, loneliness, isolation, or tension at home. The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) want to remind people to check in with themselves and those they love and reach out for help. more>>


February 4, 2026

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health is reporting a confirmed case of measles in an adult resident of Northern Virginia. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed. more>>


January 30, 2026

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a 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 that traveled through Washington Dulles International Airport Saturday, January 24. The person is a resident of another state. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights. more>>


January 25, 2026

Governor Abigail Spanberger Urges Virginians to Keep Safe From Carbon Monoxide Exposure as Emergency Room Visits Rise

RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement urging Virginians to protect their families from carbon exposure poisoning by following all Virginia Department of Health (VDH)guidance as the Commonwealth sees a rise in emergency room visits. more>>


January 24, 2026

Virginia Department of Health Provides Tips to Stay Warm, Healthy During Power Outage

RICHMOND, Va. – With this weekend’s winter storm bringing snow and ice throughout the Commonwealth, widespread power outages can also be anticipated. The Virginia Department of Health shares tips for staying safe, warm and healthy when the power is out. more>>


January 22, 2026

As Flu Cases Rise During Respiratory Illness Season, VDH and VHHA Offer Recommendations on Accessing Care and Protecting Against Illness
Patients Experiencing Flu and Respiratory Virus Symptoms are Encouraged to Take Steps to Protect their Health and Seek Care in the Appropriate Medical Setting

RICHMOND, Va. – As communities across the nation and in Virginia experience increased levels of influenza and other respiratory illnesses, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) urge the public to take steps to prevent illness and seek appropriate care, when needed. more>>


January 20, 2026

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Another Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health is reporting a confirmed case of measles in a resident of the Northern Region. The patient is a preschool-age child (0-4 years) who recently traveled internationally. This case is unrelated to a recent measles case reported on January 11. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed and appreciate the active collaboration of affected healthcare facilities. more>>


January 15, 2026

Virginia Health Officials Report the First Pediatric Flu Death of the 2025–2026 Season

RICHMOND, Va. – Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the first influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2025–26 influenza (flu) season in Virginia. Sadly, a preschool-age child (0-4 years) in VDH’s Eastern Region died from complications associated with flu. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the child. more>>


January 14, 2026

Governor Glenn Youngkin Celebrates Major Accomplishments in Strengthening Oversight of Virginia’s Nursing Homes

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin yesterday hosted a public event at the Patrick Henry Building to recognize major accomplishments delivered under Executive Order 52, “Strengthening Oversight of Virginia’s Nursing Homes,” and to honor the state employees whose work rebuilt critical oversight systems serving Virginia’s most vulnerable seniors.


January 12, 2026

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin Celebrate Partnership for Petersburg’s Success and Make New Sustainability Announcements

RICHMOND, Va. – On Friday, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin joined Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Health and Head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Admiral Brian Christine, MD, HHS Senior Advisor Calley Means, HHS Associate Deputy Secretary West Cuthbert, as well as members of the Petersburg community for an important milestone of the Partnership for Petersburg initiative. In addition to recognizing the historic results this Partnership has already delivered for Petersburg, the event also involved major announcements for the future of Petersburg.


January 11, 2026

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Confirmed Measles Case in Northern Region

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state’s second measles case of 2026. The patient is a preschool-age child (0-4 years) in the Northern Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Virginia health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed. more>>


 

Last Updated: March 4, 2026