Tag: harmful algal bloom

VDH in the News, June 27, 2025

Posted on by brianlittle

VDH in the News – June 27, 2025

Here are some of the items in today’s news scan. Stories include drowning, water safety, heat-related illness, measles, restaurant inspection, food safety, COVID, PFAS, fluoride, harmful algal bloom, and more. Some of the articles may contain specific references to VDH, while others describe issues that may be of interest or concern to VDH. To view a complete article, click the underlined link. If you have any questions or comments, let me know.

 

Six children under age of 5 drowned in Virginia pools in just one month: VDH
WRIC ABC 8
June 26, 2025
By Clare Gehlich

Virginia has seen a noticeable rise in drownings in children under 5 years old in swimming pools, with six children dying since Memorial Day, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). … “We join with the families and communities grieving the loss of these young lives,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “These numbers are heartbreaking. Swimming and playing in pools can be fun, particularly on blistering hot days, but pools can also be dangerous. Families should take caution in and around pools. Children in pools should be supervised at all times, and pools should be gated and secured to prevent access when supervision is not available. Please consider enrolling children in swimming lessons. We want to do everything we can to prevent any more lives lost.”

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Sheriff’s office investigating drowning at Swift Run Campground

6 children under 5 drown in Virginia pools since Memorial Day, highest number in years

Virginia faces alarming rise in drowning fatalities among children under five

 

Record heat fuels surge in heat-related illnesses across Virginia
WRIC ABC 8
June 26, 2025
By Sahara Sriraman

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting an alarming rise in heat-related emergency room visits as scorching temperatures grip the Commonwealth, and experts warn the worst may be yet to come. … “Before you get thirsty, you need to drink a lot of water,” said Meredith Davis, an epidemiologist with VDH. “Try not to do the caffeinated beverages so much and really be checking on each other — the people you work with, especially if you work outdoors.”

 

Note: There was an additional item on this topic in today’s news.
VDH: Heat-related illnesses surge across Virginia

Virginia reports record heat-related illnesses as temperatures soar across the Commonwealth

Park expert shares tips on avoiding heat illnesses while outside on a hike

 

Another possible measles exposure investigated in Northern Virginia
WTOP
June 26, 2025
By Will Vitka

Another potential measles exposure is being investigated in Northern Virginia after someone with a confirmed case of the virus traveled through Dulles International Airport last week. According to the Virginia Department of Health, the person went through Dulles’ Concourse A and the baggage area between 7:45 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on June 19. … “If you were at these locations at the same time as this case, it’s important to make sure that you’re protected against measles, and so that would mean verifying your vaccination history, or that you have other proof of measles immunity,” Meredith Robinson, Vaccine Preventable Disease Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Health told WTOP’s Linh Bui.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Alexandria Health Department warns of another potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia

VDH investigates another measles exposure in Northern Virginia

Latest VA Measles Exposure Confirmed At Dulles Airport

Health department investigates another measles exposure in Northern Virginia

Virginia health officials warn of potential measles exposure at Washington Dulles Airport

Another potential measles exposure at Dulles

Dulles Airport Measles Case Prompts Public Health Warning In Virginia

Heatwave alert as Virginia, other states, experience extreme temperatures

Measles cases confirmed in Washington, Virginia

 

Virginia seeing record-breaking number of heat-related illness ER visits
WAVY 10
June 26, 2025

Heat-related illnesses are sprouting up across the Commonwealth, causing an alarming amount of people to seek medical attention as stifling temperatures persists. In fact, within the last decade, these types of visits have occurred more than any other June. That’s according to the Virginia Department of Health, which has been tracking these visits since 2015. … 10 On Your Side spoke with Dr. Nancy Welch, Chesapeake Health Department health director, who said there has been about a 60% increase in heat-related visits to the emergency room statewide. “What people need to understand is you don’t want to wait until you experience symptoms,” she said. “There are preventive things you can do, and it’s not just drinking water. The key is having adequate fluids, along with electrolytes. It balances and keeps that flow of the liquid in the tissue and in the blood system — and I say fluids, not just water. And that’s why they need the electrolytes plus the water.

 

Why it’s more difficult to open a restaurant in Richmond than the counties
Richmond Times Dispatch
June 26, 2025
By Meredith Lindemon

Time was running out. The money was pretty much gone. Carlos Ordaz-Nuñez was watching his dream go up in smoke because of a plate glass window. … When asked specifically about communications, Cindy McKelvy, senior environmental health manager for Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, said, “I can’t really speak to how operators interact with city agencies because we are separate from the city. We do, as the Health Department, have good working relationships with our city partners and we can communicate pretty quickly and easily between us and them if we have an issue, or if someone needs help. Then we can point them in the direction of where they need to go as far as the city agencies that need to be involved.”

 

VDH: How to cook and store food properly to avoid getting sick
WHSV 3
June 26, 2025
By Olivia Whitehouse

With students on summer break and the Fourth of July coming up, more families will be holding cookouts. … Kelsey Holloman, foodborne disease epidemiology program manager with the Virginia Department of Health, said that while it is not always possible to determine if food is contaminated, it is essential to use a food thermometer. Holloman said poultry products should be cooked to 165 degrees, while egg products and ground meat should be cooked to 160 degrees. “Fish, pork, beef and other red meat should be cooked to 145 degrees,” Holloman said.

 

COVID variant shown to give ‘severe sore throat’; local experts weigh in
WHSV 3
June 26, 2025
By Amir Massenburg

There’s a new COVID variant being shown to give a severe sore throat. … The Virginia Department of Health says there haven’t been any cases of it reported here in the Commonwealth. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not here. … “I think at this point, there’s so many variants and they’re getting so muddled that it’s getting harder and harder to tell. But I do know that it is affecting other countries a little bit harder right now. It’s kind of started there and it looks like it’s moving this way,” said Lisa Sollot, Respiratory Disease Program Coordinator for the Division of Surveillance and Investigation with the Virginia Department of Health.

 

‘Forever chemicals’ mar pristine reputation of Virginia’s Chickahominy River
Bay Journal
June 26, 2025
By Whitney Pipkin

The Chickahominy River in Virginia is known for its physical beauty, with bald cypress trees and lily pads decorating the water that meanders through largely undeveloped acres of forests and wetlands. But the river’s appearance tells only part of the story. In May, the Virginia Department of Health issued its first fish consumption advisory for the presence of harmful chemicals in the Chickahominy River, which is a James River tributary, and the White Oak Swamp where its waters originate.

 

Luray discontinues additional fluoride in drinking water system
Rocktown Now
June 26, 2025
By Jacquelynn Dobrin

Luray town staff and town council have elected to discontinue the addition of fluoride to its drinking water. In a release, town officials said they will stop adding fluoride in early September due to the Virginia Department of Health requirement of a 90-day notice.

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Luray will stop adding fluoride to drinking water

 

Fairfax County Park Authority Updates Residents on Burke Lake
Northern Virginia Magazine
June 26, 2025
By Debbie Williams

Fairfax County Park Authority has issued an update on the status of Burke Lake. … The Virginia Department of Health says most algae are not harmful. However, the agency cautions that “some types of algae in Virginia can be dangerous. Algae species in fresh and salt water may multiply rapidly when environmental conditions are favorable for their development. The great number of algal cells in the water results in what is called an algal bloom.”

 

VDH in the News – June 16, 2025

Posted on by brianlittle

VDH in the News – June 16, 2025

 

Here are some of the items in today’s news scan. Stories include measles, drinking water, alpha-gal, babesiosis, mobile clinics, harmful algal bloom, cancer, and more. Some of the articles may contain specific references to VDH, while others describe issues that may be of interest or concern to VDH. To view a complete article, click the underlined link. If you have any questions or comments, let me know.

 

 

Alpha-gal syndrome is gaining recognition in Virginia. For those who have the tick-borne illness, it’s long overdue.
Cardinal News
June 13, 2025
By Emily Schabacker

 

… A bill that passed unanimously during the 2024 General Assembly session added alpha-gal syndrome to Virginia’s list of reportable diseases. Starting July 1, health care professionals must report cases to the Virginia Department of Health. In Virginia, health officials don’t know how many people have the condition because the state hasn’t tracked it, said Cali Anderson, senior epidemiologist for the Central Virginia Health District. ,,, “We will now be able to track what’s occurring with alpha-gal. Up until this time, we haven’t really had a reliable method of tracking other than anecdotal reports,” Anderson said. … While alpha-gal cases are rising in some areas, other tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease, declined last year, at least in the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts, said Christie Wills, the districts’ public information officer. … “It’s ticks that have been attached longer we’re more worried about. That’s not a hard and fast rule, just a generality,” Wills said.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Tick-borne illnesses expected to rise this season

 

Fairfax County warns of ‘harmful’ algae bloom in Burke Lake
ABC 7 News
June 13, 2025
By Sonia Dasgupta

 

Fairfax County Park Authority is warning the public about a “harmful” algae bloom at Burke Lake. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) states: “Algae are naturally occurring microscopic organisms found in fresh and salt waters of Virginia and around the world.” “Algal blooms can be any color, but the most common ones are red or brown and are known as either ‘red’ or ‘brown tides. Most algal blooms are not harmful, but some do affect fish and humans, as well as other animals like birds and marine mammals. These are known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). If water is discolored, murky, has an odor, or if there appears to be a film on the water surface, swimming is not advised for humans or pets,” VDH states.

 

 

VDH reports potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia, D.C. area
Inside NOVA
June 15, 2025
By Inside NOVA Staff

 

The Virginia Department of Health has been notified of a confirmed case of measles at Dulles International Airport and the Washington metro area earlier this month. The patient is an international traveler visiting the D.C. area, the VDH said in a Saturday news release. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Health officials investigating possible measles exposure in Northern Virginia

Health officials investigate measles exposure linked to international traveler in Northern Virginia

 

State health department reports measles exposure in NoVa

 

VDH reports potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia, D.C. area

 

 

City enters into Order of Consent for January water crisis
WWBT 12
June 13, 2025
By 12 On Your Side digital team

 

Richmond and the Virginia Department of Health have entered an agreement months after the January water crisis. The order of consent summarizes a series of violations and what the city is doing to correct them. Among other things, the order confirms a ‘corrective action plan’ that both the city and VDH agreed to. The plan is required after the city received a second violation notice back in April. The violation was issued at the same time as the state’s final report on the water crisis.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Richmond enters agreement with VDH to fix its water system

 

 

Rare tick-borne illness making headway in Virginia
WRIC ABC 8
June 13, 2025
By Madison Moore

 

As summer calls us outdoors, a crucial health warning emerges from medical experts. While Lyme disease often grabs headlines, a lesser-known but increasingly concerning tick-borne illness, babesiosis, is making its presence felt in Virginia. Babesiosis is caused by a tiny parasite carried by the blacklegged tick or “deer tick” — the same ticks notorious for transmitting Lyme disease. … The Virginia Department of Health reports only 17 confirmed cases of babesiosis originating in Virginia since 2016, with most found on the Eastern Shore or in Southwest Virginia.

 

 

Mobile clinics will serve rural health needs
Galax Gazette
June 13, 2025
By Shannon Watkins

 

Two new mobile clinics will provide medical care to underserved areas of Southwest Virginia, focusing on communities like Whitetop, Dugspur, Laurel Fork and Independence. The Mount Rogers Health District, Mount Rogers Community Services and Highlands Community Services teamed up to launch the mobile units.

 

 

UVA Cancer Center Advisory Council shares roadmap for reducing cancer’s impact
Cville Right Now
June 13, 2025
By Dori Zuk

 

The UVA Cancer Center Community Advisory Council (CAC) has developed a community-focused roadmap to reduce cancer’s impact across Virginia and West Virginia. …The roadmap will contribute to the Cancer Center’s plans for research and outreach across the 87 counties it serves in Virginia and West Virginia. UVA Cancer Center has launched a comprehensive sun safety program in local schools through its community outreach and engagement office in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia.

Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Issued for Upper Pamunkey Branch

September 22, 2023

Media Contact:Linda Scarborough, Linda.Scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov 
Brookie Crawford, Brookie.Crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Issued for Upper Pamunkey Branch; Upper and Middle North Anna Branch Advisories on Lake Anna Remain in Place
Public should avoid swimming in areas under advisory

RICHMOND, Va. – The Upper Pamunkey along with the Upper and Middle sections of North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Louisa County is experiencing a harmful algae bloom (HAB). The public is advised to avoid contact with this specific area of the lake until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels.  Toxin results for samples are pending and should be available next week. The status report will reflect those updates (see link below). Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom map. A status report containing the updated advisory areas based on samples collected on September 19 may be viewed at Lake Anna HAB Status Report 9.22.2023.

The sections of the lake currently under a swimming advisory due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria:

Advisory Issued:

  • Upper Pamunkey Branch (advisory issued 9/22/23)– From the upper inundated waters of Pamunkey Branch to Runnymede Park

Advisories which remain in place:

  • Upper North Anna Branch –From the upper inundated waters of the North Anna arm of the lake downstream to the Rt. 522 Bridge.
  • Middle North Anna Branch – From the Rt. 522 Bridge, to include Rt. 719 (Holladay Bridge), to Lumsden Flats at Rose Valley Dr.

Results for the Middle North Anna Branch were acceptable (pending toxin results). If toxin results are acceptable, this is the first of two samples required to lift the advisory.

The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom map. A status report containing the updated advisory areas may be viewed at Lake Anna HAB Status Report 9.22.2023.  To lift advisories, there must be two acceptable samples collected at least 10 days apart. District health departments may accept results for samples collected less than 10 days apart at their discretion. The next sampling date is planned for the week of September 27, 2023 (weather permitting).

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes the VDH, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Old Dominion University Phytoplankton Laboratory, will continue to monitor water quality in the lake. In general, advisories will be lifted following two consecutive test results with acceptable levels for algal cell counts and/or toxin concentration.

For more information visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory Area Downsized for Portion of Smith Mountain Lake

July 7, 2023
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, Linda.Scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory Area Downsized
for Portion of Smith Mountain Lake

ROANOKE, VA –Water sample results received on July 6 indicate the Lower Blackwater River now has acceptable levels of algae. The results were the second set of acceptable samples collected within the last 10 days, therefore the advisory from the Blackwater River from the confluence with Gills Creek to the confluence with the Roanoke River has been lifted. Normal recreational activities may resume in the area of the Lower Blackwater River.

The Upper Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County is continuing to experience a harmful algal bloom (HAB). Water sample results, collected on June 13, prompted the swimming advisory that remains in effect for the Upper Blackwater River above the confluence of Giles Creek due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria, which have the potential to produce multiple toxins. The advisory area where the public should continue to avoid swimming can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom map. The most recent status report, containing the advisory area and sites where samples were collected, may be viewed at Smith Mountain Lake – Blackwater River HAB Status Report July 7, 2023.People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing and stand-up-paddle-boarding, as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water in this area.

Activities such as boating may continue with proper precaution throughout the lake. Additional follow-up samples indicating algae and toxins are below levels of concern are necessary to lift the remaining advisory – dates of next sampling are to be determined.

Algal blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algal growth. Most algal species are harmless. However, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins. Avoid discolored water or scums that are green or bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.

To prevent illness, people should:

• Avoid contact with any area of the lake where scums are present or water is green or blue-green or an advisory sign is posted,
WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT!
• Not allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water.
• Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algal bloom and quickly wash them off with plenty of fresh, clean water after contact with algal scum or bloom water.
• Seek medical/veterinarian care if you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom.
• Properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs and cook fish to the proper temperature to ensure fish fillets are safe to eat.
• Contact the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1-888-238-6154 if you suspect you experienced health-related effects following exposure to a bloom.
• Visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com to learn more about harmful algal blooms or to report an algal bloom or fish kill.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes VDH, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Old Dominion University Phytoplankton Laboratory, will continue to monitor water quality in the lake. In general, advisories will be lifted following two consecutive test results (a minimum of 10-days apart) with acceptable levels for algal cell counts and/or toxin concentration. An advisory may be lifted or maintained at the discretion of the health department. For example, after one test an advisory may be lifted if results are within safe levels for swimming if other information indicates exposure or human health risk is low.

Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory Issued for Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties, VA

June 6, 2023
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, Linda.Scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory Issued for Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties, VA

Public Advised to Avoid Water Contact in Affected Areas

(Roanoke, Va.) – The Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania counties are experiencing a harmful algal bloom (HAB). The public is advised to avoid contact with the water until algal concentrations return to acceptable levels. The reported blooms have produced blue/green discoloration and algal scums that should be avoided. Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom map.​ A status report containing the advisory area may be viewed at Smith Mountain Lake – Blackwater River HAB Status Report June 6, 2023.​

Sample results from collections on June 1 indicated a swimming advisory is necessary due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria, which have the potential to produce multiple toxins. Toxin results at these sites are pending but will not change the advisory. People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing and stand-up-paddle-boarding, as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water in this area. Activities such as boating may continue with proper precaution in the advisory area. Follow-up samples indicating algae and toxins are below levels of concern are necessary to lift the advisory – dates of next sampling are to be determined.

​​​​​The areas within the Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake where samples were collected:


Blackwater River

  • Unnamed Creek cove; Blackwater River at Kemp Ford Road
  • Blackwater River cove at Virginia Key Trail
  • Blackwater River cove near Anthony Ford Landing

Algal blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algal growth. Most algal species are harmless. However, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins. Avoid discolored water or scums that are green or bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.
To prevent illness, people should:

  • Avoid contact with any area of the lake where scums are present or water is green or blue-green or an advisory sign is posted,
    WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT!
  • Not allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water.
  • Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algal bloom and quickly wash them off with plenty of fresh, clean water after contact with algal scum or bloom water.
  • Seek medical/veterinarian care if you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom.
  • Properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs and cook fish to the proper temperature to ensure fish fillets are safe to eat.
  • Contact the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1-888-238-6154 if you suspect you experienced health-related effects following exposure to a bloom.
  • Visit SwimHealthyVA.com to learn more about harmful algal blooms or to report an algal bloom or fish kill.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes the VDH, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Old Dominion University Phytoplankton Laboratory, will continue to monitor water quality in the lake. In general, advisories will be lifted following two consecutive test results (a minimum of 10-days apart) with acceptable levels for algal cell counts and/or toxin concentration. An advisory may be lifted or maintained at the discretion of the health department. For example, after one test an advisory may be lifted if results are within safe levels for swimming if other information indicates exposure or human health risk is low. The Harmful Algal Bloom map is updated to reflect the HAB advisory status of the Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake. The recent advisory extent is summarized in the Smith Mountain Lake – Blackwater River HAB Status Report June 6, 2023. For more information visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.