December 12, 2013
State Health Department Forecasts Arrival of Seasonal Stomach Bug
Data Suggest an Increase in Norovirus
Richmond, Va. — Statewide surveillance data monitored by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) indicate that norovirus is arriving in Virginia just in time for the holidays. more>>
November 21, 2013
GOVERNOR’S EMS AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM
(RICHMOND, Va.) – The 2013 Governor’s EMS Award winners were recently announced at the 34th Annual Governor’s EMS Awards Ceremony in Norfolk, Va. Governor Bob McDonnell recognized 10 outstanding EMS providers and organizations from across the Commonwealth for their exceptional achievements and dedication to the EMS system. more>>
October 4, 2013
VIRGINIA WIC OFFICES OPEN DURING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PARTIAL SHUTDOWN
(Richmond, Va.) State Health Commissioner Cynthia C. Romero, MD, FAAFP, assured Virginians today that all offices for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) across the state are open and providing services during the partial shutdown of the federal government. more>>
September 12, 2013
MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE RECOVERED
(Richmond, Va.) The Troxler density gauge reported as having been stolen in Dinwiddie County yesterday has been recovered. The gauge is in the possession of Dinwiddie County law enforcement officials. The Virginia Department of Health, Office of Radiological Health has deployed personnel to survey the device, ensure its safety and security, verify that public health was not jeopardized and conduct a thorough investigation of yesterday’s events. more>>
September 11, 2013
MOISTURE DENSITY GAUGE STOLEN IN DINWIDDIE COUNTY
(Richmond, Va.) A Troxler moisture density gauge containing radioactive material was stolen from the bed of a 2008 Ford Ranger pickup truck at a jobsite near 4007 Chesdin Boulevard in Dinwiddie County today between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. more>>
August 26, 2013
WEB-BASED VIRGINIA BEHAVIORAL RISK FACTOR SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM LAUNCHES IN AUGUST
(Richmond, Va.) The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is introducing a web-based Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS), designed to encourage greater participation in the survey, particularly among underrepresented groups. VDH administers the BRFSS to gather vital health information and monitor critical health indicators. Traditionally, the survey is conducted by telephone. Beginning this month, households that do not respond to the phone survey will receive a postcard in the mail with instructions for completing the survey online.more>>
July 26, 2013
STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT SUGGESTS SAFETY TIPS FOR FAIR SEASON
(Richmond, Va.) The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds those attending agricultural fairs this summer and fall to take precautions when coming in contact with swine. An influenza virus that normally circulates in pigs, called influenza A H3N2v, may spread to humans more easily than usual. This H3N2v virus was circulating in pigs in 2010 and was first detected in people in 2011. more>>
July 12, 2013
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUES EMERGENCY CLOSING OF FISHERMAN’S ISLAND TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)-The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that Fisherman’s Island was closed for shellfish harvesting due to notification of three cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus illness associated with the consumption of oysters harvested from this area. The closure is effective July 12, 2013 through July 11, 2014. The Division of Shellfish Sanitation will monitor the shellfish during this period to determine if the area can be reopened sooner. more>>
June 18, 2013
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, WALGREENS AND GREATER THAN AIDS TEAM UP TO PROVIDE FREE HIV TESTING IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY
HIV Testing Events at Select Walgreens Locations in the Commonwealth
June 27 – 28, 3 – 7pm, and June 29, 9am – 2pm
(Richmond, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is teaming up with Walgreens, the nation’s largest pharmacy chain, and Greater Than AIDS, a coalition of public and private sector partners, to provide FREE HIV testing at 13 Walgreens stores across Virginia. The testing events are taking place June 27-29 in support of National HIV Testing Day. more>>
June 18, 2013
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LIFTS EMERGENCY CLOSING OF UPPER YORK RIVER TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that the emergency shellfish harvesting condemnation of the upper York River is withdrawn effective immediately. The area was closed for shellfish harvesting due to sewage overflows in West Point associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea.more>>
June 11, 2013
HEALTH DEPARTMENT URGES PRECAUTIONS FOR WELLS AND ONSITE SEWAGE (SEPTIC) SYSTEMS
Severe Weather Prompts Health Department to Issue Safety Reminder to Residents
(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health urges residents statewide with wells and septic systems to take extra precautions following recent heavy rains due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea, and in preparation for additional rain expected this week. Floodwaters may contain sewage and agricultural or industrial waste. Eating or drinking anything that has come into contact with contaminated water can increase the risk of disease. All Virginians are encouraged to have an emergency preparedness kit, which should include a three-day supply of water; one gallon per person per day to use for drinking, sanitation and cooking. more>>
June 11, 2013
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUES EMERGENCY CLOSING OF UPPER YORK RIVER TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)—The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that the upper York River was closed for shellfish harvesting due to sewage overflows in West Point associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea. The closure is effective June 10, 2013 through June 29, 2013, to reopen on June 30, 2013. The Division of Shellfish Sanitation will monitor the shellfish during this period to determine if the area can be reopened sooner.more>>
June 7, 2013
State Officials Warn Consumers of Possible Contamination of Frozen Berry Blends
Certain Lots of Berry Products May be Contaminated with Hepatitis A Virus
(Richmond, Va.) The Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services warn consumers not to eat certain lots of frozen Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Berry Blend sold under the Harris Teeter brand in Virginia, as they may be linked to a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections. more>>
May 21, 2013
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECLASSIFIES PORTION OF LYNNHAVEN RIVER TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that a portion* of the Lynnhaven River will be reclassified to allow shellfish harvesting except following a heavy rain event. The updated shellfish closure is effective May 22, 2013. more>>
May 20, 2013
Virginia Department of Health Urges Safety in Recreational Waters
(Richmond, Va.) As the days get warmer, people begin heading to Virginia’s local beaches, lakes, streams and nearby swimming pools and water parks to cool off. The Virginia Department of Health reminds everyone to avoid illness and injury while enjoying the water. more>>
May 16, 2013
EMS WEEK RECOGNIZES EFFORTS OF FIRST RESPONDERS IN VIRGINIA
May 19 – 25 is EMS Week in Virginia
(Richmond, Va.) Day in and day out, Virginia’s EMS providers stand ready to respond to citizens in need, providing pre-hospital care to the sick or wounded. Last year alone, EMS providers responded to over 1.2 million calls for help in the commonwealth. That’s approximately 3,327 incidents per day. more>>
May 9, 2013
Health Commissioner Announces Virginia Public Health Nurse of the Year
Central Shenandoah Health District Nurse Cathy Halterman Honored
(RICHMOND, Va.)—State Health Commissioner Cynthia C. Romero, MD, FAAFP, today announced Cathy Halterman, public health nurse in the Central Shenandoah Health District, as Public Health Nurse of the Year for the Virginia Department of Health. more>>
April 1, 2013
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROTECTING CHILDREN
April 20-27 is National Infant Immunization Week
(Richmond, Va.) In addition to being a requirement for school entry, childhood immunizations are also among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. Giving babies the recommended immunizations by age 2 is the best way to protect them from 14 serious childhood diseases, like whooping cough and measles. more>>
April 1, 2013
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CLOSE A PORTION OF THE LYNNHAVEN RIVER TO THE HARVESTING OF SHELLFISH
(RICHMOND, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health announced today that 607 acres of the Lynnhaven River will be closed for shellfish harvesting effective April 12, 2013. The river will be closed to shellfish harvesting because fecal coliform concentrations in the affected area no longer meet the criteria of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. more>>
March 20, 2013
National 2013 County Health Rankings Show Where Virginia Localities Do Well, Provide Roadmap for Improvement
Richmond, Va. –The fourth annual County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, released today by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, indicates that Fairfax County has the healthiest residents in Virginia while the city of Petersburg ranks as the least healthy locality in the state.more>>
March 5, 2013
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OFFERS GUIDANCE FOR SEVERE WEATHER
(RICHMOND, Va.)— As severe winter weather moves into the state, the Virginia Department of Health urges Virginians to prepare for the snowstorm and offers tips to say safe during cleanup activities following the storm.more>>
February 15, 2013
Funding Available for Organizations Serving Summer Meals to Virginia Children
Deadline to apply for this year’s Summer Food Service Program is April 26, 2013.
(Richmond, Va.)— The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is looking for financially viable organizations that can serve meals to children during the summer months. Organizations that participate in the Summer Food Service Program will be reimbursed by VDH for the meals that are served as well as the administrative costs of serving the meals. In addition, all participants receive technical assistance from VDH. New participants are required to attend Summer Food Service Program training. more>>
February 11, 2013
NEW SCREENING PROJECT CATCHES HEART DISEASE EARLY IN INFANTS
Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening Saves Babies
(Richmond, Va.) A new screening offered in hospitals around Virginia can identify if a newborn has critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) before the child leaves the hospital. Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defects in the United States, affecting about one in every 110 babies. A few babies born with CHD have more serious forms of heart disease, or CCHD. CCHDs are heart defects that can cause serious illness or even death if not found quickly, and they affect about two of every 1,000 babies. more>>