Media Update

The goal of VDH's media update is to provide timely information on public health issues affecting communities across the Commonwealth, including disease trends, prevention guidance, safety advisories, and community resources. We strive to keep media partners and the public informed about emerging health concerns, response efforts, and actions Virginians can take to protect their health.

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In This Update - September 4, 2026

Food Safety 

Update:  

Most foodborne illnesses are caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites.  The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. People should practice food safety during their Labor Day cookouts in order to prevent foodborne illness.  

Public Guidance: 

To minimize the risk of foodborne illness people should: 

CLEAN 

  • Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food, and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.  
  • Use clean utensils and cutting boards and wash and sanitize them in between use. 
  • Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.    

SEPARATE 

  • Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables and other cooked foods to avoid cross contamination.  

COOK 

  • Cook foods to the right temperatures to kill harmful germs. Check temperatures using a food thermometer.   
  • 165°F for poultry products   
  • 160°F for egg products and ground meats   
  • 145°F for fish, pork, beef, and other red meats 

CHILL 

  • Refrigerate leftovers at 40°F or colder within 2 hours of cooking to prevent food poisoning.  
  • Never thaw or marinate foods on the counter. The safest way to thaw or marinate meat, poultry, and seafood is in the refrigerator.  
  • If you think something you ate made you sick, contact your health care provider and report your illness to the Virginia Department of Health by submitting an online report at MyMealDetective.com. 

ICYMI: Virginia Department of Health Backs Trusted Vaccine Recommendations for Respiratory Virus Season 

Update:
With respiratory virus season approaching, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) endorses recently released vaccine recommendations from leading medical associations. VDH recommends that children and adults are vaccinated in accordance with the 2026-2027 respiratory vaccination recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).  VDH encourages healthcare providers to draw on their clinical training and professional judgment, along with the latest evidence and scientific information, when talking with patients, parents, and caregivers. 

Read the full news release. 
Send all questions and interview requests to Logan Anderson at logan.anderson@vdh.virginia.gov 

ICYMI: Virginia Marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month with a Focus on Knowing Your Status, Newborn Screening and Connecting to Care

VDH highlights the importance of knowing your status, newborn screening and connecting to care

Update:   
This September, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recognizes Sickle Cell Awareness Month and Newborn Screening Awareness Month with a simple message: Know. Screen. Connect.  Know your sickle cell status. Understand the lifesaving role of newborn screening. And connect people and families living with sickle cell disease (SCD) to the specialized care and support they need.  
 
Read the full news release.  
Send all questions and interview requests to Cheryle Rodriguez, Cheryle.rodriguez@vdh.virginia.gov       

Back-to-School Preparation   

Update: 

  • As back to school preparation is underway, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages families to talk to their healthcare provider to ensure their children are up to date on their routine immunizations.  
  • Vaccinations play a critical role in protecting the health of children, their families, and their communities.    
  • This is particularly important as Virginia has experienced an increase in measles cases with an active measles outbreak in Central Virginia.   

Public Guidance: 

  • Learn about the school vaccine requirements on our webpage.   
  • Find a Vaccine Provider   
    • Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC)  - VDH manages over 750 VVFC locations which include our local health departments. These locations provide routine vaccines at little to no cost to children without health insurance or who are on Medicaid.  
    • Local health districts partner with school divisions and communities to offer convenient options for vaccine clinics at schools or community events for families.  

Send all questions and interview requests to Logan Anderson at logan.anderson@vdh.virginia.gov

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