Our media updates provide timely information on public health issues affecting communities across the Commonwealth, including disease trends, prevention guidance, safety advisories, and community resources. VDH strives to keep media partners and the public informed about emerging health concerns, response efforts, and actions Virginians can take to protect their health.
In This Update - July 7, 2026
Cyclosporiasis – Ten Cases in Virginia
Update:
Cyclosporiasis has been causing illness throughout the United States. To date in 2026, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting 10 cases on Cyclosporiasis but is not currently investigating any local outbreaks.
Cyclosporiasis is an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite called Cyclospora.
Anyone can get cyclosporiasis. It is more common in people who travel to tropical areas, but the infection can occur in many different countries.
The majority of cases and outbreaks are reported during the spring and summer months, although infections can occur year-round. Most outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to imported fresh produce.
Cyclosporiasis is not spread directly from person-to-person. Infected people pass Cyclospora in their feces, but this form of the parasite cannot make people sick. The parasite needs time in the environment to change into a form that can make people sick. This form of the parasite then can infect someone by entering the body through the mouth, typically by eating or drinking something that is contaminated with Cyclospora.
Cyclospora infects the intestines and usually causes watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, increased gas, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, low-grade fever, and fatigue. Symptoms usually appear within one week after exposure and if not treated, the illness can last from a few days to a month, or longer.
Send all questions and interview requests to Brookie Crawford at brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
Public Guidance:
To prevent cyclosporiasis:
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- Wash hands carefully with soap and water before and after food preparation and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
- Travelers, especially to tropical areas, should avoid eating raw or undercooked foods or drinking untreated water.
If you have symptoms of cyclosporiasis, contact your healthcare provider.
People who have diarrhea should rest and drink plenty of fluids. Specific antibiotics are sometimes prescribed.
Heat-Related Illnesses and Deaths
Update:
For the Independence Day holiday weekend, (July 3-5) the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported 538 emergency visits for heat-related illness, peaking at 225 visits on Friday, July 3. In 2025, Virginia reported 102 heat-related illness visits for the same time period.
During May 1 to July 6, 2026, Virginia reported 2,224 emergency visits for heat-related illness in Virginia, which is higher that the (year-to-date) average of 1,179 visits by this time each year.
To date in 2026, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has reported two heat-related fatalities. At this time, no heat-related fatalities have been associated with the July 4th holiday weekend.
Send all questions and interview requests to Brookie Crawford at brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
Public Guidance:
Severe heat is expected to return later this week. To avoid heat-related illness, you should:
- Drink water. When the temperature rises, it is important to drink plenty of water. Drinks that contain caffeine, large amounts of sugar or alcohol should be avoided because they can cause you to become dehydrated.
- Keep cool indoors. On hot days, prevent illness by keeping cool indoors. If your home is not air conditioned, try to spend the hottest hours of the day in a cool public place such as a library, movie theater, or store. Check out VDH’s Cooling Center Map to find a cooling center near you.
- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella. Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin.
- Limit physical activity. Avoid excessive physical exertion in hot temperatures, especially in the middle of the day. If you must work outdoors, stay hydrated by drinking 2-4 glasses of water each hour and take frequent breaks in a cool place. Even a few hours in an air-conditioned environment reduces the danger of heat-related illness.
- Do not keep children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside a car with windows up can reach more 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke and death.
- Check on your neighbors. Although anyone can suffer heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. People aged 65 or older are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses and complications that can result during periods of high temperatures and humidity.
Measles
Update:
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting 22 additional measles cases since the July 2 measles dashboard update. As of July 7, VDH is reporting a total of 167 cases of measles in 2026, with 144 outbreak-associated cases.
VDH Response:
- On June 25, VDH expanded the Buckingham County measles outbreak geographically to include Cumberland County.
- VDH has one active measles outbreak in Buckingham and Cumberland counties. Piedmont Health District continues to identify any additional cases, connecting people with testing and care, holding local vaccination clinics, and providing health education to the community.
- The VDH measles dashboard shows key information to help Virginians see measles trends, understand the impact, and know their risk of exposure. The dashboard will be updated every Tuesday and Thursday around noon ET.
- Send all questions and interview requests to Brookie Crawford at brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
Public Guidance:
Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Vaccination remains the best protection against measles.
People who live in or visit Buckingham County, Cumberland County, and surrounding areas should talk with their healthcare provider about outbreak vaccination recommendations, which includes considering an early MMR dose for infants older than six months to provide protection while measles is circulating in the community.
People who are not vaccinated against measles should avoid attending large or crowded events in the Buckingham and Cumberland County area during the outbreak to protect themselves and help stop the spread of measles.