VDH OEP Weekly Situation Update

Key Takeaways

  • A global IT outage is affecting numerous systems, including in Virginia. This situation is ongoing.
  • Avian influenza was detected among Colorado poultry workers. The patients reported mild respiratory symptoms and conjunctivitis. CDC considers the threat to the general public ‘low’.
  • HPAI A(H5N1) was detected in an Oklahoma dairy herd. The virus has now been found among cattle in 13 states.
  • COVID-19 activity continues to grow nationally. Virginia is now reporting a ‘high’ wastewater viral activity level.
  • Arlington authorities report a possible exposure event at a local grocery store from an out of state measles case.
  • Richmond experiences over four more heat waves annually compared to the 1960s, while Norfolk experiences almost six additional heat waves.
  • A shooting at a major-party presidential campaign event last week, and a speech by the Israeli prime minister next week, highlight the ongoing threat of political violence.

VDH OEP Weekly Situation Update.

VDH Surveillance Data Update.

This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.


The VDH OEP Weekly Situation Update is produced by the VDH Office of Emergency Preparedness. This update covers ongoing or potential public health and emergency preparedness issues, including COVID-19. This product is intended to enhance situational awareness among the public health, healthcare, and emergency management communities. Some items covered may pose little or no threat to the public at large. These items are included for situational awareness only and do not represent an endorsement of the source or information therein.

VDH OEP Weekly Situation Update

Key Takeaways

  • COVID-19 indicators suggest a decline in activity. The percentage of weekly Virginia emergency visits with diagnosed COVID-19 declined by 22.2%, while hospital admissions decreased by 7.3%. CDC forecasts suggest a plateau in the coming weeks.
  • RSV continues to increase in the Southeast and South U.S., suggesting a potential early start to the season.
  • Flu activity is rated as minimal statewide, but three of Virginia’s five regions are now at low activity levels.
  • Wildfire season begins in Virginia on October 15 and ends on November 30. Currently, wildfire risk is classified as low in all regions of Virginia.
  • With migratory bird season peaking, avian flu has been detected in just six US poultry flocks in the past 30 days, well below levels seen last fall. Most detections occurred in the Midwest.
  • Kaiser Permanente reached a tentative deal with a worker’s union, averting another strike planned for early November. Kaiser Permanente workers went on strike from Oct 4 to Oct 6 with little reported impact in the DC area.

VDH OEP Weekly Situation Update.

UVA Biocomplexity Institute Slides.

VDH Surveillance Data Update.

This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.


The VDH OEP Weekly Situation Update is produced by the VDH Office of Emergency Preparedness. This update covers ongoing or potential public health and emergency preparedness issues, including COVID-19. This product is intended to enhance situational awareness among the public health, healthcare, and emergency management communities. Some items covered may pose little or no threat to the public at large. These items are included for situational awareness only and do not represent an endorsement of the source or information therein.