Permitted Facility Inspections
Local health department staff inspect and issue required permits to such food service establishments as school cafeterias, restaurants, food stands at community events, camps, day care centers, B&B’s, and migrant camps. They work with those who provide prepared food to the public to help assure that food is wholesome and healthy. The local health department is responsible for working with local dairies to assure a healthy product, free of disease. This is done through regular inspections and ongoing input into dairy operations. The environmental health staff also inspects and permits all public swimming pools, hotels, inns, and B&B’s in the District.
Drinking Water
Environmental health staff provides assistance to property owners who have or desire to have private wells on their property. They assist with required activities and issue, upon proper documentation and payment of fees, permits for private onsite wells. Each county health department maintains records on properties with private onsite wells.
Sewage Disposal
Environmental health staff provides assistance to residents who desire to or already have onsite sewage disposal systems on their own or their rented property. This assistance includes providing the activities, referral, and documentation necessary to obtain required permits for onsite sewage disposal. Each county health department maintains records on properties with onsite sewage disposal systems.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it. It can be transmitted through a bite or by getting saliva or brain tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth. Only mammals have the ability to carry rabies; reptiles, birds, and amphibians cannot carry the virus. Environmental health staff investigates potential rabies exposures. This includes investigating cases of humans who suffered an animal bite, domestic pets exposed to potentially rabid animals and quarantining animals involved in biting incidents.
Complaints
Environmental Health documents and investigates residents’ complaints about environmental health problems, including reports of food and waterborne disease, mosquito problems, improper sewage disposal, and other public health issues.
To Report Foodborne Illness
If you think something you ate is making you or someone you know feel sick, contact your doctor and fill out the My Meal Detective form as completely as possible. The Virginia Department of Health evaluates complaints and request follow-up by your Local Health Department, if necessary.
One My Meal Detective form should be completed per person who is ill.