Tag: dr. allison baroco

Central Shenandoah Health District Urges Residents to Be Prepared for the Unpredictable Impacts of Winter Weather

December 12, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Urges Residents to Be Prepared
for the Unpredictable Impacts of Winter Weather
Stay Safe This Winter with These Tips

STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District reminds residents that winter weather can be dangerous and unpredictable. Snow, ice, and freezing conditions can lead to unexpected injuries and accidents. These conditions can increase the risk of hazardous travel, power outages, and health impacts, especially for older adults, children, and people with chronic health problems.

“Being prepared is half the battle,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “We’ve already seen some snow this year, so this is a good reminder to prepare for the coming months. Good preparedness makes unexpected weather safer and easier for you and your family.”

By preparing ahead of time you can avoid emergencies, protect your health and keep your loved ones safe. Follow these tips to be better prepared for the cold weather season.

  • Have an emergency kit with supplies such flashlights, batteries, blankets, food, and water.
  • Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows.
  • Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
  • Prepare your vehicle with emergency supplies.
  • Use space heaters safely. Keep heat sources at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials. Never cover your space heater.

Preparation before dangerous winter weather arrives is critical. The best time to prepare for severe winter weather is now, before temperatures drop significantly and staying safe and warm becomes a challenge. Take these precautions to lower your risk of illness.

  • Wear cold appropriate clothing like gloves, hats, scarves and snow boots.
  • Be aware of the wind chill factor.
  • Remove any wet clothing immediately.
  • Limit your time outdoors.

If you plan to travel, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) provides travel advisories on current road conditions and weather forecasts. Travelers can easily access weather information by dialing 511, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or via the website at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

Learn more about staying safe this winter by visiting the Central Shenandoah Health District at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/central-shenandoah/

Central Shenandoah Health District Encourages All Residents to Get Vaccinated for the Flu

October 23, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Encourages All Residents to
Get Vaccinated for the Flu

STAUNTON, Va. – With the 2025-26 influenza (flu), season officially underway, the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) encourages everyone six months and older who lives, works or plays in the Shenandoah Valley to receive their annual influenza vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a severe 2024-25 flu season with record high hospitalization rate in the U.S and the highest number of pediatric deaths during a regular, non-pandemic season. Last season, Virginia reported six influenza-associated pediatric deaths and 366 influenza outbreaks. CSHD reported over 2,000 cases of flu last flu season.

“The flu is not a mild illness,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Even though we experience flu season every year, it’s important to make sure you are protected each annual flu season by getting vaccinated. Flu shots help maintain the health of our whole community.”

Flu season, the period of highest influenza activity, normally begins in early October and ends in late May. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons, activity often peaks in January or February.

A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and updated to keep up with changing flu viruses.

You should get the influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get your flu vaccine.

Influenza is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. The flu is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:

  • Get vaccinated.
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand.
  • Stay at home when you are sick.

It is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. For more information, call the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at (540) 332-7830 or visit the VDH flu page.

Central Shenandoah Health District Reminds Residents About Lead Poisoning Hazards

October 20, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Reminds Residents About Lead Poisoning Hazards
Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 19-25

STAUNTON, Va. – Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 19-25. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is committed to educating the community about lead poisoning. Childhood exposure can be reduced if families can recognize and lessen lead hazards within the home.

Lead is a highly toxic and naturally occurring metal found in the environment. Lead can cause negative health effects. Even low levels of lead in blood are associated with developmental delays, behavioral issues and attention and learning problems.

“There is no safe blood level of lead,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “It’s important to take any elevated levels seriously to help identify and remove the source of exposure, especially for children.”

Common sources of lead exposure include:

  • Paint found in houses built before 1978.
  • Soil surrounding old buildings or near airports, highways, or factories.
  • Water from lead pipes.
  • Certain jobs and hobbies.
  • Consumer products including some imported toys, jewelry, spices, candies, and medicines.

Most children with elevated blood lead levels will not have any physical symptoms. Higher blood levels can cause headaches, irritability, hearing loss and abdominal pain. If you are concerned about potential lead exposure should talk to your health care provider about testing. A blood lead test is the only sure way to determine if a child has been exposed to lead.

Simple prevention measures to reduce the risk of exposure include:

  • Cleaning floors and surfaces regularly using wet methods.
  • Washing children’s hands, toys, and bottles often.
  • Preventing children from playing in bare soil.
  • Removing shoes before entering the home.
  • Preparing nutritious meals high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
  • Using cold tap water for cooking and drinking.
  • Keeping paint intact and undisturbed.

The Virginia Department of Health recently introduced a new public education campaign aimed at helping families recognize and reduce lead hazards in their homes. The campaign features an alligator mascot named “Chip,” who helps people spot a telltale sign of lead-based paint: cracked, scaly surfaces that look like alligator skin.

For more information on how to keep your family safe from lead exposure, visit the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program webpage or contact the Central Shenandoah Health Districts Environmental Health office at (540) 332-7830.

High Five for Hand Hygiene!

October 15, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

High Five for Hand Hygiene!
Central Shenandoah Health District has the Dirt on Global Handwashing Day 

STAUNTON, Va. – In honor of Global Handwashing Day, October 15, the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) has some dirt on people that will probably gross you out! We also have some fun ideas for teaching kids the right way to wash.

The filthy truth:

  • Poop from unwashed hands frequently makes people sick.
  • A single gram of poop, about the weight of a paper clip, can contain one trillion germs.
  • Only 63% of people were seen washing their hands after using public restrooms.
  • Nearly half of U.S. adults admit to not washing their hands at other key times, such as before preparing food or eating.
  • Germs often spread when someone coughs or sneezes into their hands and then touches another person or thing (handrails, toys, etc.).

Handwashing is a simple and inexpensive way to kill germs.

“Personal responsibility, like washing your own hands, is part of caring for our whole community,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “I am a big advocate of handwashing. Always remember to scrub your hands with soap and water. Proper handwashing benefits you and those around you by eliminating those germs that can make everyone sick.”

Scrubbing with soap and water can cut cases of diarrhea by up to 40%, slash missed school days from tummy bugs by nearly 60%, and reduce colds and coughs by more than 20%.

The key is to wash your hands properly. Proper handwashing means scrubbing for at least 20 seconds between the fingers and under the nails. Encourage your kids to properly wash their hands by making it fun with songs or games.

  • Sing “Happy Birthday to You” song twice or the “Alphabet Song.”
  • Put glitter on their hands and pretend it’s germs. They need to get rid of all of them!
  • Use colored or scented soap.
  • Get a blacklight and look at hands before (dirty) and after washing (clean).
  • Print posters or stickers to promote good handwashing habits.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. To learn more, visit the VDH Hand Hygiene page or contact Central Shenandoah Health District at (540) 332-7830.

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips

Posted on by lindascarborough

September 25, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips
World Rabies Day is September 28

STAUNTON, Va. – World Rabies Day is September 28. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds you to avoid contact with strays and wild animals. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia. CSHD has had 16 animals test positive for rabies so far in 2025.

“Rabies is a fatal disease,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Vaccinating your pets protects them from other animals that might have rabies. Not only does vaccination prevent your pets from getting rabies, it prevents your pets from biting and spreading the virus to humans.”

Virginia law requirecshs all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.

To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:

  • Do not feed stray animals. Report them to local animal control authorities by calling 540-332-3842.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Wild animals are not pets.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Instead, report these animals to the Department of Wildlife Resources. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators are another option.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Keep wild animals out of your home by capping chimneys with screens. Block openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling overseas to see if rabies vaccinations are recommended.

Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. Contact your healthcare provider or the Central Shenandoah Health District for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, contact Staunton Animal Control at 540-332-3842 or the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at 540-332-7830.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares the Importance of Heart Health

September 29, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares the Importance of Heart Health
World Heart Day is September 29

STAUNTON, Va. – World Heart Day is September 29. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds you to add healthy habits into your daily lives to prevent your risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Virginia. Simple lifestyle changes can improve your odds of experiencing heart-related issues.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attack. In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds.

“Establishing healthy habits is crucial for your future wellbeing,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director of CSHD. “Heart disease can sneak up on you if you don’t incorporate those behaviors and factors to improve your overall health.”

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Other leading preventable risk factors include:

  • High LDL (bad) cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Poor nutrition
  • Physical inactivity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity

If you have a heart attack, you are more likely to survive if you know the signs and symptoms. The major symptoms of a heart attack include:

  • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
  • Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder
  • Shortness of breath

If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.

For more information about heart disease, visit the Virginia Department of Health Heart Disease webpage or contact the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at 540-332-7830.

Central Shenandoah Health District Stresses Awareness of Ticks and Diseases They Can Transmit

August 12, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Stresses Awareness of Ticks and Diseases They Can Transmit

STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District is reaching out to remind residents of the dangers of ticks and the diseases they can carry.

Ticks are found across Virginia in all settings, from rural to urban, and can cause several diseases that can affect people. Ticks maybe tiny and hard to spot, but they can cause a number of serious medical problems, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Alpha-gal food allergy, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis.

“The best way to avoid these tickborne illnesses is to prevent being bitten by a tick in the first place,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, acting Health Director for CSHD. “Being well equipped with protective clothing and bug spray will help keep ticks off of your skin.”

Central Shenandoah Health District suggests several steps you can take to protect yourself from ticks when you’re outside.

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent.

  • When outdoors in tick habitats, use repellents containing either DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on your skin or clothing. It’s important to always follow the instructions on the product label.
    • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using products containing no more than 30% DEET on children.
    • Never use oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol on children under 3 years of age.
  • The repellent called “permethrin” can also be used to treat clothing ahead of time; it will last on clothing, socks, and shoes for several washes. When used properly, it will kill ticks before they bite.
  • Do not use any insect repellent on babies under 2 months of age.

When you’re outside in tick-infested areas, get into the habit of tucking your pants legs into your socks will help prevent ticks from climbing up your shoe and sock and onto your skin. Forcing ticks to climb up the outside of your clothing will help you spot and remove ticks before they can reach your upper body. If your shoes, socks and pants were treated with permethrin, any tick that comes into contact with the treated item usually die or become affected within a few minutes – before they can bite.

When you come inside after being in areas with potential ticks, take these steps to find them.

  • Check your clothing after spending time in tick habitats. Tumble dry clothing on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks.
  • Use a mirror or ask a friend, partner, or spouse to help check your body for ticks. Pay close attention to the armpits, the groin area, in and around ears and your hairline, belly button, backs of your knees and between your legs. All are warm, moist areas that ticks are drawn to.
  • Also remember to check your children, your hiking gear, and pets for ticks, too.

If you find a tick on your body, remove it properly and promptly.

  • Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close as possible to the skin.
  • Pull upward, with steady even pressure, until the tick releases to avoid breaking the mouth parts of the tick or rupturing the tick’s body.
  • Avoid any method of removal that could crush, burn, or suffocate the tick.
  • After the tick is removed, clean the skin and the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and hot water.
  • Save the tick in a bag or container with rubbing alcohol for identification in case an illness develops in the days to weeks following a tick bite.

If you’ve been bitten by a tick in Virginia, you may send it to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for identification and information about diseases associated with that type of tick. The Virginia Tick Survey is a free service of VDH.

For information on number of tick-related illnesses cases in Virginia, visit the Virginia Reportable Disease Surveillance Dashboard. Be safe and use common sense when outside in tick-infested areas.

Central Shenandoah Health District Offers Tips to Make Residential Pools Safe, Prevent Drownings

July 25, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov. 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Offers Tips to Make Residential Pools Safe, Prevent Drownings
World Drowning Prevention Day is July 25

STAUNTON, Va. – On World Drowning Prevention Day , the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds families that residential pools are the leading location for accidental pool drownings in children under 15 and encourages homeowners to ensure that their pools have proper safety features in place to help reduce the risk of drowning or injury.

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 70% of pools or spas drowning in children under age 15 occurred in residential settings. That number grows to 85% for children 0-5 years old.

In Virginia, nine children under age five have accidentally drowned in pools in 2025, an increase from the last five years (three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022, eight in 2021 and four in 2020).

“These drownings sadden us and our community,” said Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Drowning is preventable; watching young children when in and near the water is essential for their safety.”

Central Shenandoah Health District offers the following tips to increase the safety of your residential pool:

  • Properly fence all pools at least four feet in height around the perimeter of the pool/spa.
  • Use a self-closing and self-latching gate.
  • Use anti-entrapment drain covers. Encourage swimmers to stay away from drains and other pool openings.
  • Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use and when adults are not present.
  • Remove all toys from the pool area that might attract children to the pool when not in use with adult supervision.
  • Install alarms on doors leading from the house to the pool area that will alert you when someone enters the pool area.
  • Empty and put away smaller portable pools after every use. Cover larger portable pools.
  • Make sure your neighbors, babysitters and visitors know about the pool’s presence in your yard.

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four. Drownings happen quickly and silently. In Virginia, on average, one person drowns every four days.

Central Shenandoah Health District reminds families to:

  • Always watch kids in and around the water – and designate a water watcher.
  • Teach children to swim – or sign them up for swim classes.
  • Know life-saving skills, including CPR for adults and children.

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Swim safe. Stay safe!

Central Shenandoah Health District Highlights the Importance of UV Safety Awareness

July 21, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Shenandoah Health District Highlights the Importance of UV Safety Awareness

STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is reminding residents to protect themselves from the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of taking proactive steps now to prevent skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the U.S. The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. No matter how much time you plan to spend outdoors enjoying the sunshine and summer activities, you should take extra precautions against the damaging rays which can put yourself at risk for several serious health issues.

“As people spend time at the beach, enjoy outdoor recreational activities or work outside, it is important to remember to protect yourself,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Limiting sun exposure, especially during midday, will protect your skin from the sun’s intense and damaging radiation.”

The Central Shenandoah Health District suggests several steps you can take to protect yourself from UV radiation.

  • Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.
  • Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
  • Consider options to protect your children.
  • Wear a wide brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, for both UVA and UVB protection.

Sunscreen protects you from sun exposure by reflecting or absorbing UV rays, but it wears off. Here are some tips on how to apply and select sunscreen:

  • Apply sunscreen to create a thick layer on the skin at least 20 minutes before you are put in the sun.
  • Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet, and backs of hands.
  • Reapply at least every two hours.
  • Use sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher.
  • Ensure your sunscreen “blocks UVA and UVB” or has “broad spectrum” on the label.
  • Reapply each time you get out of water or sweat heavily.
  • If you are also using insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. Follow product label instructions to determine how often you need to reapply insect repellent and sunscreen.
  • Follow the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of 3 years.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are six months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.

Sunlight exposure is highest during the summer between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You are also at risk of UV radiation even on cloudy days. Be safe, use common sense and protect yourself from sun damage when outside, no matter what the weather.

The Virginia Department of Health and the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia have partnered with the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society (VRPS) and Virginia schools to implement sun safety initiatives. Visit the Cancer Coalition webpage for more information.

Central Shenandoah Offers School Required Immunizations at Staunton and Waynesboro Back-to-School Events

July 9, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Shenandoah Offers School Required Immunizations at Staunton and Waynesboro Back-to-School Events

STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District will offer school required immunizations for rising 7th and 12th graders at the Staunton City Schools’ and Waynesboro Public Schools’ Back-to-School events this summer. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are Human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY, and Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap). The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, and public or private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians.

The locations and dates of these Back-to-School events are listed below:

Monday, July 21, 1-6 p.m.
Staunton High School, 1301 N Coalter St, Staunton, VA 24401

Sunday, July 20, 1-6 p.m.
Embrace Community Center, 932 Fir St, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

These vaccines are available at no cost for those with and without insurance. Those who qualify for the Vaccine for Children Program will not be billed. If a student has insurance, they must provide their insurance information for insurance to be billed.

“These summertime vaccine events are one of the most convenient ways for children and parents to prepare for the next school year,” said Dr. Allison Baroco, acting health director. “Taking advantage of this opportunity now will prevent the last-minute rush as the first day of school approaches. It is important for children to be vaccinated so they may be less likely to get sick and miss school. Ultimately, this will enable them to devote more time to their academic performance and social development.”

Only students enrolled in Staunton and Waynesboro City Schools and their corresponding events may participate in these immunization opportunities. School required immunizations are also available at your local health department by appointment. To see when a child is due for their next vaccine, view the VIRGINIA VACCINATION SCHEDULE.