Category: VDH

Raise Awareness & Take Action for National HIV Testing Day

Posted on by patrickgodette

Did you know that today, June 27th, is National HIV Testing Day? It’s a day when we focus on the importance of getting tested for HIV, a virus that affects people all around the world. Let’s rediscover why this day is so important.

Why HIV Testing Matters:

  • Getting tested helps you know your HIV status.
  • Knowing your status early can help you get the right treatment and stay healthy.
  • It also helps you protect others by reducing the chance of spreading the virus.
  • Testing is a key part of preventing HIV and staying safe.

What HIV/AIDS Means:

  • HIV is a virus that can make you sick and weaken your immune system.
  • AIDS is a condition that can happen if HIV is not treated.
    • AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection that occurs when a body’s immune system is badly damaged.
  • With the right care and treatment, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives.

What We Can All Do:

This National HIV Testing Day, let’s come together to raise awareness and take action. By getting tested and spreading the word, we can make a difference in our communities and help stop the spread of HIV. Your health matters, so let’s take care of ourselves and each other!

This Summer, Stay Safe by Keeping Cool

Posted on by patrickgodette

Summer is here and our goal is to find the best way to spend it. Festivals, traveling, the beach, boating, hiking… the possibilities are endless. But the key to a great summer is to think cool.

As temperatures outside rise, it’s important to stay hydrated and stay cool. Last summer (May to September) in Virginia, 2,656 people visited an emergency department (ED) with heat-related illness. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), heat was the top cause of weather-related fatalities in 2023. According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,220 people in the United States die annually from extreme heat.

And this summer is predicted to be warmer than average. In fact, EDs have already seen 869 cases (vs. 275 for the same period in 2023) of heat-related illness as of June 24.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion occur when your body is unable to cool itself. Humidity plays a big factor in your body’s ability to release heat. The higher the humidity, the slower your sweat evaporates. Additionally, age, weight, heart disease, poor circulation, alcohol, sunburn, and prescription drugs play a factor in how quickly your body can cool itself.

You can beat the heat with these tips:

  • Stay Hydrated – Drinking water is one of the most important and easiest way to prevent heat-related illnesses. Start drinking water before you go out in the heat and continue throughout the day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid energy drinks and alcohol. Alcohol causes dehydration and the high levels of caffeine in energy drinks can strain your heart.
  • Stay Cool – The easiest way to keep cool is to stay inside in the air conditioning. Fans are helpful but are ineffective in extreme heat. Don’t have a/c? Visit an indoor mall or head to the movies. If outside, stay in the shade as much as possible. Limit use of heat-producing appliances like the dryer, stove, or oven.
  • Limit Physical Activity – Schedule your outdoor activities for the coolest times of the day – early morning or evening. When outside, pace yourself. Start slow and pick up your pace gradually. You may not be able to do the activities (running, hiking) at the same pace as a cooler day. Take frequent breaks in the shade.
  • Dress Appropriately – Loose, lightweight clothing is the best way to dress for the heat. Light-colored and breathable fabrics will be more comfortable. Wear sunscreen (SPS 15 or higher), glasses, and a sun hat for protection. Reapply sunscreen often.
  • Stay Informed – Before heading outside make sure you are aware of any weather and heat advisories. Know the difference between a heat watch and a heat warning. The CDC Heat & Health Tracker provides local heat and health information for you to better prepare for and respond to extreme heat events in your community.
  • Check on Others – The heat can affect people differently. People 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness are at a higher risk. Keep a close eye on your friends and neighbors. Do not leave children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.

If you, or someone you care, for develop symptoms of a heat-related illness, it’s important that you recognize the signs and know how to treat the symptoms or get additional help.

Individual suffering from heat-related illness might experience any of the following symptoms to include muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, dizziness, rash, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating or no sweating, high body temperature, and decreased urine output.

Knowing what to do might save your life or that of a loved one.

  • Get the individual to a cooler place immediately.
  • Cool the individual’s body temperature with a cold water or ice bath, if possible. If not, place cold compresses on the forehead, at the back of the neck, under the arms and in the groin area where large blood vessels lie close to the skin surface.
  • Remove unnecessary clothing and/or soak clothing in cold water.
  • Encourage sips of cold water.
  • Circulate the air around the individual. Fan them.

If symptoms persist for more than an hour or get worse, seek medical attention immediately.

If an individual, loses consciousness, has a fast, strong pulse, hot, red skin and/or temperatures of 103° F, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is an emergency.

If you keep these tips in mind, you, your family, and friends can have a safe, cool summer. Remember that your local health department can be a resource for summer safety.

Have a healthy, happy, and safe summer!

VDH Provides Update about the Lake Anna Area Outbreak Associated with Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on by patrickgodette

Versión en español

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is providing an update on the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in people who were in the Lake Anna area around Memorial Day weekend. The number of STEC cases (25) has not changed.

People who have been exposed to STEC typically develop symptoms within 3-4 days, but it can take up to 10 days. Among the 25 cases, 23 patients reported visiting the lake between May 24 and May 27 and the most recent illness onset date is June 4. Two patients did not visit the lake but had close contact with a person with STEC infection. VDH continues to investigate reports of ill patients and closely monitor the situation. It is possible that more outbreak cases will be identified.

As part of this investigation, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) collected water samples at six priority locations in Lake Anna on June 11 and June 17 that were tested at Virginia’s Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS). The purpose of this testing was to determine if there was fecal contamination (human or animal waste) in the water. Water test results for samples collected on both June 11 and June 17 indicated that fecal bacteria concentrations were well below a level of public health concern. This type of testing has some limitations. Water testing can provide clues about the water environment and level of general fecal contamination at a point in time, but they are not specific to all types of bacteria that can cause illness.

The timeline of illnesses and reported exposures, combined with water testing results, is reassuring; it suggests (but does not confirm) that the reported illnesses were associated with a lake exposure that occurred over the Memorial Day weekend. However, at this time, it is not known whether the type of E. coli that causes severe illness, STEC, is present in Lake Anna. VDH emphasizes that exposure to any natural body of water, including swallowing untreated water or swimming with open wounds, represents a possible health risk. Children under the age of five, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems) are at higher risk of contracting illness from natural bodies of water.

To prevent illness when swimming, boating, wading, or recreating in natural bodies of water, people should:

  • Never swallow untreated water, and don’t swim if the skin has cuts or open wounds. Natural waters, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans contain germs and contaminants, which can cause illness.
  • Avoid splashing water in faces and mouths.
  • Keep sand away from their mouth and children’s mouths. Sand contains germs that can cause illness if swallowed.
  • Wash hands after using the bathroom and before preparing and eating food.
  • Avoid swimming near storm drains (pipes that drain polluted water from streets).
  • Avoid swimming near livestock. Farm animals can carry germs that can cause a variety of illnesses in people.
  • Avoid swimming if they are vomiting or have diarrhea.
  • Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water and keep pets out as well. This film might indicate an algal bloom and some algae produce toxins that can make people and pets sick.
  • Avoid going in the water if it is cloudier than usual. Cloudy water can be a warning that more germs are in the water than normal.
  • Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants.
  • Avoid swimming for three days after a heavy rain. Heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with, including germs from overflowing sewage, polluted storm water, and runoff from land.
  • Properly dispose of human waste by discharging boat sewage at marinas with a pump-out unit or dump station.
  • Check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water if your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines.

For the most current information about this outbreak, visit VDH’s website or call the VDH Call Center at 877-829-4682 (option 2). The VDH Call Center is open Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more healthy and safe swimming tips, visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

Versión en español

El Departamento de Salud de Virginia (VDH, por sus siglas en inglés) informa sobre el brote en la zona de Lake Anna asociado con el fin de semana de Memorial Day

El Departamento de Salud de Virginia (VDH) está proporcionando una actualización sobre el brote de Escherichia coli productora de la toxina Shiga (STEC, por sus siglas en inglés) en personas que se encontraban en el área de Lake Anna durante el fin de semana de Memorial Day. El número de personas afectadas (25) por la toxina STEC no ha variado.

Las personas que han estado expuestas a STEC suelen desarrollar síntomas en un plazo de 3-4 días, pero también pueden tardar en aparecer hasta 10 días. De los 25 casos, 23 pacientes declararon haber visitado Lake Anna entre el 24 y el 27 de mayo y la última fecha de aparición de la enfermedad fue el 4 de junio. Dos pacientes no fueron a Lake Anna, pero tuvieron un contacto estrecho con una persona infectada por STEC. VDH sigue investigando los informes de los pacientes enfermos y vigilando de cerca la situación. Cabe la posibilidad de que se identifiquen más casos.

Como parte de esta investigación, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ, por sus siglas en inglés) – el Departamento de Calidad Medioambiental de Virginia –, recogió muestras de agua en  los días 11 y 17 de junio, que fueron analizadas por Virginia’s Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS, por sus siglas en inglés) -División de Servicios de Laboratorio Consolidados del Departamento de Servicios Generales de Virginia-. La finalidad de esos análisis era determinar si había contaminación fecal (residuos humanos o animales) en el agua. Los resultados de los análisis de esas muestras de agua recogidas el 11 y el 17 de junio indicaron que la concentración de bacterias fecales estaban muy por debajo del nivel peligroso para la salud pública. Este tipo de análisis tiene algunas limitaciones. Los análisis del agua pueden dar información sobre el estado del agua y el nivel de contaminación fecal general en un momento dado, pero no son específicos para detectar todos los tipos de bacterias que pueden causar enfermedades. seis puntos prioritarios de Lake Anna los días 11 y 17 de junio, que fueron analizadas por Virginia’s Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS, por sus siglas en inglés)  – División de Servicios de Laboratorio Consolidados del Departamento de Servicios Generales de Virginia –. La finalidad de esos análisis era determinar si había contaminación fecal (residuos humanos o animales) en el agua. Los resultados de los análisis de esas muestras de agua recogidas en las fechas anteriormente mencionadas indicaron que la concentración de bacterias fecales estaba muy por debajo del nivel peligroso para la salud pública. Este tipo de análisis tiene algunas limitaciones. Los análisis del agua pueden dar información sobre el estado del agua y el nivel de contaminación fecal general en un momento dado, pero no son específicos para detectar todos los tipos de bacterias que pueden causar enfermedades.

La cronología de las enfermedades y las exposiciones notificadas, junto con los resultados de los análisis del agua, proporcionan una sensación de tranquilidad; sugiere (pero no confirma) que los casos notificados estaban asociados a una exposición en Lake Anna que se produjo durante el fin de semana de Memorial Day. Sin embargo, en este momento, no se sabe si el tipo de E. coli que causa enfermedades graves, STEC, está presente en Lake Anna. VDH hace hincapié en que la exposición a cualquier cuerpo de agua natural, incluida la ingestión de agua no tratada o el baño en las mismas cuando se tienen heridas abiertas, representa un posible riesgo para la salud. Los niños menores de cinco años, las personas mayores y aquellas que tienen un sistema inmunitario debilitado corren un mayor riesgo de contraer enfermedades procedentes de los cuerpos de agua naturales.

Para prevenir enfermedades al nadar, navegar, chapotear o jugar en cuerpos de agua naturales, las personas deberían:

  • No tragar nunca agua no tratada y no bañarse en ella si se tienen cortes o heridas abiertas en la piel. Las aguas naturales, como ríos, lagos y océanos, contienen gérmenes y contaminantes que pueden provocar enfermedades.
  • Evitar salpicar con agua la cara y la boca.
  • Mantener la arena alejada de la boca, especialmente de la boca de los niños. La arena contiene gérmenes que, si se ingieren, pueden causar enfermedades.
  • Lavarse las manos después de ir al baño y antes de preparar y comer alimentos.
  • Evitar bañarse cerca de los desagües pluviales (tuberías que drenan el agua contaminada de las calles).
  • Evitar bañarse cerca de zonas dónde hay ganado. Los animales de granja pueden ser portadores de gérmenes que pueden causar enfermedades diversas a las personas.
  • Evitar entrar en el agua si tiene vómitos o diarrea.
  • Evitar entrar en el agua si observa una capa verde en el agua. Así mismo, evitar que las mascotas entren en contacto con ella. Esta capa verde podría indicar una proliferación de algas y algunas algas producen toxinas que pueden hacer enfermar a las personas y a las mascotas.
  • Evitar meterse en el agua si está más turbia de lo habitual. El agua turbia puede ser un indicio de que hay más gérmenes de lo normal en el agua.
  • Ducharse o bañarse después de entrar en contacto con esa agua para eliminar posibles gérmenes y productos contaminantes.
  • Evitar el baño hasta tres días después de una lluvia torrencial. La lluvia torrencial arrastra todo a su paso, incluidos los gérmenes de las aguas residuales desbordadas, las aguas pluviales contaminadas y la basura.
  • Eliminar correctamente los desechos fecales vertiendo las aguas residuales de las embarcaciones en los puertos deportivos que cuenten con una unidad de bombeo o un vertedero.
  • Consultar a su médico antes de bañarse en océanos, lagos, ríos y otros cuerpos de agua naturales si la capacidad de su organismo para luchar contra los gérmenes está afectada por otros problemas de salud o por el uso de medicamentos.

Para obtener la información más actualizada sobre este brote, visite la página web de VDH o llame al 877-829-4682 (opción 2). El servicio de atención telefónica de VDH está abierto de lunes a viernes (excepto festivos) de 8 de la mañana a 5 de la tarde. Para más consejos sobre un baño sano y seguro, visite www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

Swimming Advisory Issued for Upper North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Louisa County due to Harmful Algae Bloom

Posted on by patrickgodette

Versión en español

Public Advised to Avoid Water Contact with Section of Lake Anna Above Route 522

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is issuing a swimming advisory for the Upper section of North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Louisa County. This section of the lake 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.

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

  • North Anna Branch (advisory issued) — From the upper inundated waters of the North Anna arm, to include the “Sandbar” of the lake and downstream to the Route 522 Bridge.

Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as an 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 may be viewed at Lake Anna HAB Status Report 6.21.2024.

Cyanobacteria have the potential to produce toxins. One cyanotoxin was detected at both Upper North Anna and Pamunkey Branch sites, but below levels of health concern. 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. Activities such as boating may continue with proper precaution in advisory areas.

Follow-up monitoring above Route 208 on the lake is planned (weather permitting) for the week of July 15.   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.

To prevent illness, people should:

  • Avoid contact with any area of the lake where water is green or an advisory sign is posted,
    • WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT!
  • Never allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water.
  • Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algae bloom and quickly wash them off with plenty of fresh, clean water after coming into contact with algae 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 cooking 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 they suspect they experienced health-related effects following exposure to a bloom.
  • Visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com to learn more about harmful algae blooms or to report an algae bloom or fish kill.

This HAB is not associated with the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) at Lake Anna area, as that pathogen is not associated with HABs.

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.

Versión en español

 Aviso de precaución para el baño en la sección superior del North Anna Branch de Lake Anna en Louisa County, debido a la proliferación de algas nocivas
Se aconseja al público que evite el contacto con el agua en la sección de Lake Anna por encima de Route 522  

El Departamento de Salud de Virginia (VDH) está emitiendo un aviso de precaución para el baño en la sección superior de North Anna Branch de Lake Anna en Louisa County. Esta sección del lago está experimentando una proliferación de algas nocivas (FAN, por sus siglas en inglés). Se aconseja al público que evite entrar en contacto con esta zona específica del lago hasta que las concentraciones de algas vuelvan a niveles aceptables.  

La sección del lago que se encuentra actualmente bajo advertencia para el baño debido a niveles peligrosos de cianobacterias es: 

  • North Anna Branch (aviso publicado) — Desde las aguas inundadas superiores del North Anna Branch, incluyendo el “Sandbar” del lago y la corriente hacia abajo hasta el puente de Route 522. 

Algunas algas nocivas, llamadas cianobacterias, pueden causar erupciones en la piel y enfermedades gastrointestinales, como malestar en el estómago, náuseas, vómitos y diarrea. La zona a evitar puede verse en el mapa interactivo de proliferación de algas nocivas. Se puede consultar un informe actualizado de las zonas con advertencia en Lake Anna HAB Status Report 6.21.2024. 

Las cianobacterias pueden producir toxinas. Se detectó una cianotoxina tanto en Upper North Anna como en Pamunkey Branch, pero por debajo de niveles peligrosos para la salud. Se recomienda que las personas y las mascotas eviten nadar, hacer windsurf y paddle board y otras actividades que supongan riesgo de tragar agua. Otras actividades, como la navegación, pueden continuar siempre que se tomen las debidas precauciones en las zonas con aviso. 

 El control del agua en la zona del lago por encima de Route 208 está previsto (siempre que el tiempo lo permita) para la semana del 15 de julio. La proliferación de algas puede producirse cuando el agua caliente y los fertilizantes se combinan y crean condiciones favorables para su crecimiento. La mayoría de las especies de algas son inofensivas, pero algunas pueden producir sustancias irritantes o toxinas. Evite el agua descolorida o los residuos de color verde o verde azulado, ya que es muy probable que contengan toxinas. 

 Para prevenir enfermedades, debe: 

  • Evitar el contacto con cualquier zona del lago donde el agua esté verde o haya una señal de advertencia, EN CASO DE DUDA, ¡QUÉDESE FUERA! 
  • Nunca permita que los niños o las mascotas beban de cuerpos de agua naturales. 
  • Mantenga a los niños y a las mascotas alejados de las zonas en las que haya proliferación de algas nocivas y lávelos rápidamente con abundante agua limpia después de entrar en contacto con la espuma o el agua de las algas. 
  • Busque atención médica/veterinaria si usted o sus animales experimentan síntomas después de nadar en o cerca de una proliferación de algas. 
  • Limpie correctamente el pescado, retirando la piel y desechando todos los órganos internos, y cocínelo a la temperatura adecuada para garantizar que sea seguro para el consumo. 
  • Póngase en contacto con la línea directa Harmful Algal Bloom, llamando al 1-888-238-6154, si piensa que tiene síntomas relacionados con la exposición a las algas nocivas. 
  • Visite www.SwimHealthyVA.com para obtener más información sobre la proliferación de algas nocivas o para notificar una proliferación de algas o la muerte de peces. 

 Esta proliferación de algas nocivas no está vinculada con el brote de Escherichia coli productora de toxina Shiga (STEC, por sus siglas en inglés) en la zona de Lake Anna, ya que ese patógeno no está relacionado con las algas nocivas.   

VDH y el Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force (Equipo de trabajo para el control de proliferaciones de algas nocivas de Virginia), que incluye VDH, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (Departamento de Calidad Medioambiental de Virginia) y Old Dominion University Phytoplankton Laboratory (Laboratorio de Fitoplancton de Old Dominion University), seguirán vigilando la calidad del agua del lago. En general, las advertencias se retiran después de dos pruebas consecutivas con niveles aceptables de recuento de células de algas y/o concentración de toxinas. 

Para más información, visite: www.SwimHealthyVA.com.  

World Sickle Cell Day Shines a Light on the Disease and the Need for a Cure

Posted on by patrickgodette

The Virginia Department of Health is joining organizations around the globe in bringing more awareness to sickle cell disease (SCD). Sickle cell disease is an inherited lifelong condition that primarily affects people of African descent. SCD gets its name from sickle-shaped red blood cells. Unlike normal blood cells that are shaped like round discs, sickle cells are stiff and do not move through blood vessels easily. This causes painful blockages, referred to as a “pain crisis.” A crisis can last a few hours, a few days or longer. The blockages can result in tissue damage, strokes, organ damage and other serious medical complications.

Recently, the FDA approved two milestone treatments for SCD. The cell-based gene therapies treat SCD in patients 12 years and older.

In Virginia, all babies are screened for sickle cell disease. Newborns diagnosed with the condition, or a similar inherited blood disorder are referred to a Care Connection for Children Center.

The Virginia Department of Health funds three initiatives related to SCD.

  1.  Virginia Sickle Cell Awareness Program
  2. the Pediatric Comprehensive Sickle Cell Clinic Network
  3. the Adult Comprehensive Sickle Cell Clinic Network.

Each of the programs focuses on a certain area of need, such as screening, financial support, education, or health care. For more information about SCD, including resources visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records Announces Customer Services Benchmark Achievements

Posted on by patrickgodette

The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Vital Records (OVR) is a one-stop shop for any number of personal records requests, including birth and death certificates, name amendments, and marriage and divorce records. The Office of Vital Records was created by the 1912 Acts of Assembly and on June 14, 2024, celebrated 112 years of serving Virginia. Today, more Virginians can access the Office’s services from the comfort of their own homes seven days a week, 24 hours a day. 

“Thanks to the collaboration, leadership and customer focus of the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records, Virginians are provided needed documents efficiently and effectively,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “These benchmark achievements are an excellent example of state government working together to address ongoing challenges and efficiently serve eight million Virginians.”  

“We are always seeking to improve how the Office of Vital Records interacts with the residents of the Commonwealth,” said Seth Austin, State Registrar and Director of VDH’s Office of Vital Records. “Our goal is to respond as quickly and as efficiently as possible when our customers need us.”  

The Office of Vital Records has made the below program enhancements and, as a result, has experienced the following: 

  • Online applications went live in April 2022, and since then, the Office has processed more than 300,000 applications for vital records.  
  • An online e-amendment portal for funeral homes was unveiled in 2023. This portal helps grieving families amend death certificates quickly. Previously, such transactions took place by U.S. mail and frequently took weeks to complete. Funeral homes can now complete these amendments in a matter of days. 
  • The customer experience has been considerably enhanced with call center and lobby wait times being significantly reduced. The average wait time for customers to speak with an OVR call center representative has decreased from an average of 43 minutes to 30 seconds.  
  • Application processing times which were previously 46 days in 2021 are now three to five business days. Amendment processing times, previously an average of 55 days, are now finished in five to ten business days. 
  • Marriage and divorce certificates previously required 60+ days before they were available for issuance. The Office set a goal of 30 days to have these certificates available to the public; now, the public can obtain these records in 27 days. 

“The staff at the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records work tirelessly to ensure that Virginians can efficiently access their vital records the moment they need it.” said Karen Shelton, MD, State Health Commissioner.  “These latest benchmark achievements are symbolic of the work Virginia’s state government does to serve Virginians.” 

The Office’s headquarters is located in Richmond at 2001 Maywill Street, Suite #101, Richmond, VA 23230; it is open to the public Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The vital records call center — (804) 662-6200 — is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public may also apply for a vital record, pay for it, and receive updates on the request’s fulfillment online using this tracking tool. For more information, please visit the Office of Vital Records’ website, including frequently asked questions and other resources.  

The public may also access Office of Vital Records services through their local health district offices and Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices. Use this Health Department locator tool to find your local health department office; please call ahead to ensure your local office offers the services you need to access. Use this DMV office locator tool to find a DMV office near you; DMV offices are open for walk-ins and appointments.

Virginia Department of Health Provides Update about the Lake Anna Area Outbreak Associated with Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on by patrickgodette

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is providing an update on the outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in people who were in the Lake Anna area on and after the Memorial Day weekend. To date, 25 STEC probable and confirmed cases have been reported to VDH: 21 in Virginia residents from the Central, Northern, and Northwest regions of the state and four in residents of other states. Most cases (76%) have occurred in children younger than 18 years of age. Severe STEC infections can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can be particularly serious. To date, five HUS cases have been reported to VDH, all in children who required hospitalization.

VDH has been partnering with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in the collection of water samples at six priority locations in Lake Anna. There was an increase of STEC cases in the Rappahannock Health District during the first week of June. Soon after, the Office of Environmental Health Services initiated an investigation and began tracking the results. The first sampling event occurred on June 11 and the second event is planned for June 17. Water column samples were analyzed for bacteria, including E. coli, by the Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS), the state laboratory. Results for samples collected June 11 indicate all fecal bacteria concentrations were well below a public health level of concern. A map of the six sampled areas and the test results is available on the VDH outbreak website that was launched today.

VDH’s investigation is ongoing. No single cause of the outbreak has been identified, and it is possible we might not be able to identify the source. There is no indication that contaminated food was the source of the outbreak. Environmental pollution from heavy rains, livestock, failing septic systems, boating discharge, and swimmers are potential sources of illness when swimming in natural waters. Avoid swimming where livestock are present.

If you were in the Lake Anna area on Memorial Day weekend (May 24–27, 2024) or since and you experienced gastrointestinal illness (such as stomach cramps and diarrhea), contact your local health department and seek medical care if you are still experiencing symptoms.

To prevent illness when swimming and boating in natural waters, people should:

  • Never drink untreated water, and don’t swim if skin has cuts or open wounds. Natural waters such as rivers, lakes, and oceans contain germs and contaminants, which can cause illness.
  • Wash their hands after using the bathroom and before preparing and eating food.
  • Avoid swimming near storm drains (pipes that drain polluted water from streets).
  • Avoid swimming if they are vomiting or have diarrhea.
  • Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water and keep pets out as well. This may indicate an algal bloom and some algae produce toxins that can make people sick.
  • Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants.
  • Avoid swimming for three days after a heavy rain. Germs can come from overflowing sewage, polluted storm water & runoff from land.
  • Properly dispose of human waste by discharging boat sewage at marinas with a pump-out unit or dump station.
  • If your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines, check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.

VDH will provide future updates on our outbreak website on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com for more healthy and safe swimming tips.

VDH Reminds Men to Take Charge of Their Health

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June is National Men’s Health Month. The Virginia Department of Health encourages men to take action when it comes to their health. It’s a step that can have widespread benefits — since men’s health can impact everyone. Some of the actions that men should consider include.

  • Eating healthy – Eat more fruits and vegetables and eat food with less salt, fat, sugar, and high calories.
  • Physical activity – Make a plan to participate in physical activities regularly. Pick something that is enjoyable, which will help in staying motivated.
  • Get a checkup – Schedule yearly checkups. Regular health screenings can prevent serious illness.

A major health concern for men living in Virginia and the nation is prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer for men living in the Commonwealth. In 2020, more than 5,200 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 880 Virginians died from the disease. The risk factors include:

  • Age – the older the man, the greater their chance of prostate cancer.
  • Race/Ethnicity – African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and twice is likely to die from the disease.
  • Family history
  • Obesity

For more information on making healthy choices and health screenings, visit Cancer and Men on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

50th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act

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More often than not, when we go to grab a glass of ice-cold water, we are not always considering the source and safety of the water; we just know that it’s about to quench our thirst.

Fortunately for us, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was established to protect the quality of drinking water in the U.S. and set strong water quality standards. This law focuses on all waters designed for drinking use.

Established in 1974, the SDWA has provided protection against hazards that threaten our water supply and our health.

In accordance with the SDWA, the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (ODW) works to protect public health and ensure all Virginians have a safe and adequate supply of drinking water.

As outlined in the Code of Virginia, § 32.1-167

  • The Office of Drinking Water provides a simple and effective regulatory program for waterworks.
  • Adapts to new health concerns in drinking water treatment and distribution systems
  • Provides a means to improve inadequate waterworks.
  • Provides 24/7 oversight and emergency response services to the Commonwealth.

ODW oversees 2,828 public systems that serve approximately 7.75 million consumers. Public water systems can also be privately owned but are regulated in the same way. Water from regulated water systems is regularly tested for over 90 different contaminants.

The capacity to live, make food, and maintain hygiene is dependent on a supply of safe water. In Virginia, not everyone is on a water supply regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Some are on private wells and are responsible for testing their own water and maintaining their own systems.

Check out the Drinking Water Viewer, which is an application that lets any community member view data that ODW maintains about a regulated public water system or waterworks. This application does not apply to private wells or other water systems not regulated as a waterworks. The information that can be retrieved typically includes:

  • Size and type of population served
  • Water system facilities (e.g., wells, intakes, treatment plant, etc.)
  • Sampling requirements
  • Sampling results reported to VDH-ODW
  • Violations
  • Inspections

To deliver safe, trusted, affordable, sufficient, and accessible drinking water, a multitude of experts collaborate seamlessly, drawing upon their understanding of engineering, environmental science, toxicology, epidemiology, hydrology, biology, chemistry, physics, climatology, meteorology, project and construction management, law, watershed management, emergency preparedness, technology, water and wastewater treatment, communication, marketing, scientific inquiry, and contaminants.

Today, the Safe Drinking Water Act continues to provide a framework for monitoring and responding to hazards that threaten our water supply and public health.

Sources:

 Celebrating Cancer Survivors on June 2nd

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Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is joining people and organizations around the nation who are celebrating cancer survivors on National Cancer Survivors Day. This is the 37th annual observance, which is held on the first Sunday of June. According to the American Cancer Society, as of 2022, more than 432,500 cancer survivors living in Virginia.

More people are surviving and living longer after cancer. A person is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis through the rest of their life. Even after treatment has ended, cancer survivors may experience long term physical and emotional side effects, financial hardships, increased risk for secondary cancers and other health problems as a result of their cancer diagnosis and treatment.

There are a number of resources available to cancer survivors and their caretakers to help address needs they may experience during their survivorship journey.

  1. CDC Cancer Survivors: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/survivors/index.htm
  2. National Cancer Institute: Cancer Survivorship: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/survivorship
  3. American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/
  4. Patient Advocate Foundation: https://www.patientadvocate.org/
  5. Cancer LINC: https://cancerlinc.org/
  6. ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation: https://www.askccf.org/

To learn more about what VDH is doing to address the burden of cancer in Virginia and ways you can get involved, see the Virginia Cancer Plan.