Tag: virus

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 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 Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County

October 4, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, Population Health Manager/PIO, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County

LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Campbell County Health Department has received confirmation that a dog, a coon hound about 10 years of age, has tested positive for rabies.  The dog was in the vicinity of Booker Road and Lynchburg Avenue in Brookneal. Anyone who may have been exposed to a dog or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Campbell County Health Department at (434) 332-9550.  You may also contact the health department by email at AskCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov.

This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia and sometimes infects domestic animals like dogs and cats.  Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal.  Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.

Everyone should take commonsense measures to protect themselves and their domestic animals from rabies.  Pet owners should keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current.  It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught to not touch, pet or otherwise handle unknown animals.

Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:

  • Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife.
  • Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
  • Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the health department for further recommendations. For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.

Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County

October 4, 2024
Media Contact: Kim Foster, Population Health Manger/PIO, kimberlee.foster@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Virginia Health District Reports Rabies Confirmation in Campbell County

LYNCHBURG, VA. – The Campbell County Health Department has received confirmation that a dog, a coon hound about 10 years of age, has tested positive for rabies.  The dog was in the vicinity of Booker Road and Lynchburg Avenue in Brookneal. Anyone who may have been exposed to a dog or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Campbell County Health Department at (434) 332-9550.  You may also contact the health department by email at AskCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov.

This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia and sometimes infects domestic animals like dogs and cats.  Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal.  Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes or nose.

Everyone should take commonsense measures to protect themselves and their domestic animals from rabies.  Pet owners should keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current.  It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught to not touch, pet or otherwise handle unknown animals.

Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:

  • Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife.
  • Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
  • Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the health department for further recommendations. For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.

CUMBERLAND PLATEAU HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS FREE DRIVE-THRU SEASONAL FLU VACCINE

September 27, 2024
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, population health coordinator,
LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts, 276-328-8000

CUMBERLAND PLATEAU HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS FREE DRIVE-THRU SEASONAL FLU VACCINE

LEBANON, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at two special drive-thru dispensing clinics in the community.  The vaccine will be available free to anyone 3 years and older on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Drive-thru clinics are scheduled to be held:

  • Friday, October 4 -Valley View Freewill Baptist Church, 4964 Dickenson Highway, Clintwood
    9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Friday, October 11 – old Magic Mart Shopping Center, 13 Tazewell Mall Circle, Tazewell
    10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wearing clothing that is loose around the arm will enable the public health nurse to easily give the flu shot in the upper arm. This will prevent you from having to leave the comfort and convenience of your car.

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It 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.

“Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications. This unique ‘drive-thru’ approach is proven to be a fast and efficient way to vaccinate a large number of folks in a short time,” said Reisa Sloce, director, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health District. “When more people get vaccinated, there is less virus present in the community to potentially infect those who cannot be immunized such as infants under 6 months old; this helps protect everyone from this potentially deadly disease.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the timing and duration of flu seasons vary – they can occur from early fall to late spring. Receiving an annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of becoming sick with the flu and spreading the virus to others. It takes up to two weeks to develop the vaccine’s full protection, and the coverage can last for up to a full year.

All persons aged 6 months or older should be vaccinated against influenza each year. Particular effort should be made to vaccinate people at higher risk for influenza complications, including:

  • Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
  • Persons over 65 years of age, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
  • People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma;
  • People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder;
  • Those who live with people in a high-risk group and healthcare workers ; and
  • Travelers to countries outside of the U.S. may also need to consider influenza vaccination, even at different times of the year.

For more information, call the Dickenson County Health Department at 276-926-4979; the Tazewell County Health Department at 276-988-5585 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.

Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus in Rockbridge County

February 29, 2024
Media Contact: Laura Lee Wight
Population Health Manager
laura.wight@vdh.virginia.gov

Raccoon Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus in Rockbridge County

(LEXINGTON, Va) The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) would like to notify residents in the areas of Vallance Way, Village Way, Spencer Court, and Greenhouse Road in Rockbridge County that a raccoon found in the area has tested positive for the rabies virus. The raccoon no longer poses a threat to the public, but CSHD wants to remind everyone, and especially pet owners, of the risks of rabies.

Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal in the days leading up to February 21, 2024 (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the Lexington-Rockbridge Health Department at (540) 463-3185. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system.  It is almost always fatal, unless preventive treatment is administered before symptoms develop. For more information, please visit the Virginia Department of Health’s Rabies Control page:  vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.

CSHD would like to remind all citizens to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

  • Vaccinate your pets.
  • Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
  • Enjoy wildlife from a distance-do not feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, or foxes to visit your premises.

New River Health District Warns of Rabies Concerns

August 9, 2023
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, public information officer – Western Region, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

New River Health District Warns of Rabies Concerns

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va.  — To protect the health of residents and visitors, the New River Health District is issuing a notice about two foxes testing positive for rabies that were found in in the same general area of Christiansburg within the past week. The most recent encounter, on August 5, marks the fifth laboratory confirmed case of animal rabies in Montgomery County and the twelfth in the New River Health District this year.

On August 5, 2023, a fox testing positive for rabies was found in a neighborhood around Blake Drive in Christiansburg. This is the second confirmed case of animal rabies in Christiansburg within the past week. A few days prior, another fox testing positive for rabies was located in a neighborhood around Dunlap Drive in Christiansburg. In each incident a person was reportedly exposed to the animal. The New River Health District asks anyone who may have come into contact with either of the foxes in or around the area of Blake Drive or Dunlap Drive to call the Montgomery County Health Department at 540-585-3300.

Due to the relative proximity and timing of these cases within Christiansburg, the New River Health District wants to remind everyone, and especially pet owners, of the risks of rabies.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system.  It is almost always fatal, unless preventive treatment is administered before symptoms develop. “It is important to keep your pets properly vaccinated and to seek medical attention promptly if you or your pet are exposed,” said Dr. Noelle Bissell, director for the New River Health District.

Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current.

Additional Steps to Protect Against Rabies Exposure:

  • Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
  • Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals.
  • If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the Montgomery County Health Department for further recommendations.

For additional information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/animal-contact-human-health/ or call the Montgomery County Health Department at 540-585-3300.

RABIES CASE CONFIRMED IN CITY of SALEM

March 10, 2023

Media Contact:
Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)
Environmental Health Division 540-204-9928

Skunk Tests Positive for the Rabies Virus in the City of Salem

SALEM, Va. — The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts would like to notify the residents in the area of Niblick Drive in Salem, that a skunk has tested positive for the rabies virus. The animal was collected on March 4.

Potential exposures to a rabid animal include bites, scratches, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, and/or mouth. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. Anyone having information regarding any exposure to the skunk in the days leading up to March 4 should contact the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health District Environmental Health Division at 540-204-9928 or Salem Animal Control at 540-375-3038.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is preventable in domestic animals through vaccinations but is fatal to both animals and humans if left untreated.

The health district would like to remind all citizens to follow these three important guidelines:

  1. Ensure your pets and livestock are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
  2. Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
  3. Enjoy wildlife from a distance – do not feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, or foxes to visit your premises.

New River Health District Offers Free Seasonal Flu Vaccine at Drive-Thru Clinic

Dublin, Va. – The New River Health District (NRHD) will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a special drive-thru dispensing clinic on Tuesday, October 4 from 12-7 p.m. at the NRV Fairgrounds, 5581 Fair Grounds Circle in Dublin.

The free vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to those 8 years old and above. The vaccine will be given as individuals remain seated in their vehicles. Since the flu shot is given in the upper arm, it is important for those attending the clinic to wear clothing that either has loose fitting sleeves or is sleeveless.

Influenza, commonly called “flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It 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.

“Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications, said Noelle Bissell, M.D., director, New River Health District. This unique ‘drive-thru’ approach is proven to be fast, efficient and a more comfortable way for those seeking a vaccination. It is especially important to get a shot this year because COVID-19 is still circulating and getting infected with both flu and COVID-19 can increase the severity of illness.”

Each year in the U.S. approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu illness. Deaths attributed to flu range from 12,000 to 56,000 annually with an average of 34,000 per year over the last three decades.

It is important for those at higher risk for influenza complications to be vaccinated each year. These higher risk groups include:

  • Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
  • Persons over 65 years of age, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
  • People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma; and
  • People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder.

While it takes up to two weeks to develop the vaccine’s full protection, everyone can minimize the risk of contracting or transmitting the flu at all times by following these simple steps:

  • Get vaccinated
  • Consider wearing a mask if one is high risk or if one is having symptoms
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds
  • Cover your mouth when you cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand
  • Stay at home when you are sick

For more information, call the New River Health District at 540-585-3300 or visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/flu/.

New River Health District Offers Free Seasonal Flu Vaccine at Drive-Thru Clinic

Dublin, Va. – The New River Health District (NRHD) will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a special drive-thru dispensing clinic on Tuesday, October 4 from 12-7 p.m. at the NRV Fairgrounds, 5581 Fair Grounds Circle in Dublin.

The free vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to those 8 years old and above. The vaccine will be given as individuals remain seated in their vehicles. Since the flu shot is given in the upper arm, it is important for those attending the clinic to wear clothing that either has loose-fitting sleeves or is sleeveless.

Influenza, commonly called “flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It 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.

“Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications, said Noelle Bissell, M.D., director, New River Health District. This unique ‘drive-thru’ approach is proven to be fast, efficient and a more comfortable way for those seeking a vaccination. It is especially important to get a shot this year because COVID-19 is still circulating and getting infected with both flu and COVID-19 can increase the severity of illness.”

Each year in the U.S. approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu illness. Deaths attributed to flu range from 12,000 to 56,000 annually with an average of 34,000 per year over the last three decades.

It is important for those at higher risk for influenza complications to be vaccinated each year. These higher risk groups include:

  • Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
  • Persons over 65 years of age, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
  • People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma; and
  • People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder.

While it takes up to two weeks to develop the vaccine’s full protection, everyone can minimize the risk of contracting or transmitting the flu at all times by following these simple steps:

  • Get vaccinated
  • Consider wearing a mask if one is high risk or if one is having symptoms
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds
  • Cover your mouth when you cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand
  • Stay at home when you are sick

For more information, call the New River Health District at 540-585-3300 or visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/flu/.