Virginia Department of Health Archives

Published April 22, 2025 at 3:08PM

Kaiser Permanente on Caton Hill Road in Woodbridge.

Virginia health officials have confirmed the first measles case of 2025, reported in a child from the Northwest Region who had recently traveled internationally. Health officials are now working to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the disease, including individuals who visited two medical centers in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges residents, particularly those in these areas, to check their vaccination status and seek the MMR vaccine if needed. Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination remains the best defense against the disease.

Local Pediatric Pneumonia Cases Surge as Mycoplasma Infections Rise

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published December 13, 2024 at 1:00PM

Local families may have noticed an increase in children being diagnosed with pneumonia this fall. Virginia Department of Health (VDH) confirmed the increase in November with a statement noting Emergency Room visits with a pneumonia diagnosis tripled the week of November 10-17 compared to the prior two years.

Additionally, a number of public schools have reported clusters of students with pneumonia and unspecified respiratory illnesses to VDH.

News

Get the Lead Out: VDH Says Stafford County’s Water Safe to Drink

By Aya Karouane

Published November 30, 2024 at 2:50PM

Stafford County Utilities has completed a multi-year effort to confirm that its water lines are lead-free, meeting the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revision requirements. The service line inventory, which involved field verification and historical record reviews, has been approved by the Virginia Department of Health, ensuring safe water for the county’s residents.

Press Release from Stafford County Government:

Fredericksburg

Health Dept., Hospital Seek Community Input for Health Assessment

By Teresa Davidson

Published November 25, 2024 at 10:53AM | Updated January 18, 2025 at 1:13PM

Press release:

The Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) and Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) invite community members aged 15 and older to take a quick, anonymous survey about important health issues. The survey is open to those who live in the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Orange, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Westmoreland counties.

News

Virginia Department of Health Lifts Health Advisory for Lake Anna

By Dalila Conde

Published November 9, 2024 at 10:29AM

Lake Anna (Photo: Virginia State Parks)

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has lifted the harmful algae bloom (HAB) advisory for Lake Anna due to the end of the recreational season. HABs have affected various branches of Lake Anna since June, with advisories expanded in July to include additional areas. Recent samples from mid-October showed acceptable bacteria levels, meeting the criteria to lift the advisory, despite earlier September samples showing unsafe levels.

The Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes VDH and other state agencies, has suspended response sampling for the season. Although HABs may persist in some areas, the public is advised to avoid discolored or scummy water as it could contain toxins. Depending on weather conditions, the Task Force plans to resume monitoring in May 2025.

Health

Department of Health Extends Swimming Advisory for Lake Anna

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published July 23, 2024 at 12:00PM | Updated July 23, 2024 at 12:16PM

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has extended a swimming advisory for Lake Anna as a harmful algae bloom continues. The VDH cautioned this algae bloom is not connected to the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) outbreak that occurred after Memorial Day.

According to the VDH, some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rashes and gastrointestinal illnesses. Algae blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. Most algae 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.