Epidemiologists monitor emergency department (ED) and urgent care visit data trends for a variety of events. ED and urgent care data can help to quickly identify health impacts of these events. Read about some examples below.
Describe health effects of winter storm
In January 2025, a winter storm hit Virginia with heavy snow and ice. Immediately after the storm, the Richmond metropolitan area public water supply was disrupted. VDH used ED and urgent care data to track the potential health impacts of these events, such as:
- Hypothermia or cold exposure
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Injuries from falls
- Dialysis
- Medication refills
Healthcare visit data trends were shared with emergency response officials for awareness and decision-making.
Characterize a school carbon monoxide exposure
VDH routinely monitors trends in ED visits related to carbon monoxide exposure. Epidemiologists detected an unusual increase in early 2025. This occurred after a reported gas leak at a school. ED data helped the local health district determine how many people were affected.
Track visits associated with hurricanes and floods
VDH monitors health impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms. When a storm affects Virginia, epidemiologists provide daily reports for health conditions such as:
- Injuries
- Drowning
- Carbon monoxide exposure
- Dialysis
- Medication refills
These reports help leaders understand the health impacts of the storm.
Monitor health during National Capital Region events
VDH collaborates with health officials in Maryland and Washington, D.C. to monitor health during events in the National Capital Region. These events include presidential inaugurations, international meetings, and festivals. VDH reports unusual increases in visits for conditions such as:
- Injuries
- Interpersonal violence
- Infectious disease
- Civil disruption and protest
- Exposure to hazardous materials or bioterrorism agents.
VDH epidemiologists work with colleagues to share trend data with local leaders in the Capital Region.