Health Department

The Fairfax Food Council (FFC) is a coalition of community members, nonprofits, faith partners, county agencies, and businesses that advocate for and promote food system and policy changes benefitting Fairfax communities, especially underserved communities, to promote and ensure equitable access to healthy food.  In an effort to engage and incorporate the perspective of youth in Fairfax County, the FFC is seeking a Youth Representative to serve on its Advisory Council. The Advisory Council serves as a resource to the FFC on diverse food system issues, offering perspective, facts, and guidance. As a member of the Advisory Council, the Youth Representative will: Be available for individual outreach (via email or phone) throughout the year to give feedback on specific issues. Assist the FFC with projects as necessary. Attend work group and task force meetings or review meeting notes, as schedule allows. Attend Public Health Youth Ambassador Program events, as schedule allows. Assist the Executive Committee in setting FFC priorities by proactively bringing forward issues of importance to an equitable food system (i.e., sharing information or challenges on various components of the food system). Represent the interests of youth who live and go to school in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church. The Youth Representative position is considered a volunteer position. This position is only open to high school and college undergraduate students who live and/or attend school in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, or Falls Church. Questions? Email the Fairfax Food Council at FairfaxFoodCouncil@fairfaxcounty.gov. Applications are open from September 15, 2025, through October 24, 2025.  Complete the application. 

  The Fairfax County Health Department is recognizing the important work of its Public Health Laboratory as part of Public Health Laboratory Appreciation Month. The observance shines a light on the highly skilled scientists and staff who play a critical role in protecting the community’s health every day. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, the results directly impact the safety and well-being of county residents. The laboratory conducts a wide range of testing to identify diseases, track outbreaks, and ensure the safety of food, water, and the environment. From detecting cases of tuberculosis, flu, and COVID-19 to monitoring for rabies and other public health threats, the lab is often the first line of defense. Their quick and accurate testing provides the information doctors, hospitals, and public health teams need to act fast and prevent illness from spreading. Beyond emergency response, the laboratory’s work helps maintain the daily health of the community. Routine testing supports restaurant inspections, monitors mosquito and tick-borne diseases, and ensures that residents have safe drinking water. This behind-the-scenes support often goes unnoticed, but it is essential to preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations across Fairfax County. Director of Laboratory Services Deborah Severson, points out how Fairfax County is truly fortunate to have its own local public health laboratory right here in the community, and credits her dedicated and highly trained scientists. Deborah says, "Every day, their expertise and commitment provide the critical information that guides nearly 70% of medical diagnoses and treatment decisions, strengthens outbreak response, and protects the health of our residents. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt everywhere. I want to say 'Thank you' for the professionalism, care, and excellence they bring to this vital mission. Fairfax County is stronger, safer, and healthier because of them." Public Health Laboratory Appreciation Month is an opportunity to thank the dedicated staff whose expertise keeps the community safe. Their commitment, especially during public health emergencies, has saved lives and strengthened the county’s ability to respond to new challenges. 

Written by Liza Sabine and Josh Smith  Mosquitoes and ticks can spread diseases that make people sick – and bites can happen anywhere, including your own backyard. Experts predict that warmer, wetter conditions brought on by climate change could make these pests and the pathogens they transmit more common. (See CDC's Vector-Borne Diseases page for more info). Preparedness and personal protection are key for preventing vector-borne diseases. Read on to learn how to protect yourself from bites and find out about free Health Department services.   What are Vector-Borne Diseases? Mosquitoes and ticks that can spread disease are called vectors. The illnesses they transmit are known as vector-borne diseases. Vector-borne diseases seen in Fairfax County include Lyme disease, West Nile virus, ehrlichiosis, and alpha-gal syndrome. Other important vector-borne diseases include dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Vector-borne diseases are becoming more common in some parts of the world, and some are now being found in places where they haven’t been seen before.  August 20 is World Mosquito Day, which recognizes the day that British medical doctor Sir Ronald Ross discovered that mosquitoes transmitted malaria. This day raises awareness of the impact mosquitoes have on public health and encourages community education on disease prevention. How To Stay Safe 1. Preventing bug bites is the best defense against diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks. When outside: Use EPA-registered repellent with CDC-recommended active ingredients like DEET or picaridin. Apply repellent after sunscreen. Wear long, loose, light-colored clothing to reduce your risk of being bitten. Treat clothing, shoes, and outdoor equipment with permethrin to repel mosquitoes and ticks. (Do not spray directly on skin.) Walk in the center of trails to lower the risk of bites. Follow label instructions when using repellents and permethrin. 2. After being outside: Check your body for ticks after spending time in wooded or brushy areas.  Inspect clothing, equipment, and pets for ticks. If you are bitten by a tick, remove it promptly and safely with tweezers. 3. Keep mosquitoes and ticks out of your yard: Get rid of standing water in your yard to help prevent mosquitoes from moving in. Empty standing water weekly from corrugated downspout extensions, tarps, flowerpots, and other containers. Repair or replace screens on windows and doors to keep bugs outside. Keep your grass mowed and yard trimmed for a tick-free yard. 4. Stay informed: Learn about diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks in Virginia. Vector-borne disease symptoms can be mild to severe and may include fever, rash, headache, fatigue, and muscle or joint pain.  Contact your healthcare provider even if you think you may have a vector-borne disease. Although everyone is at risk for vector-borne disease, certain groups (older adults, people with weakened immune systems) are more likely to develop severe disease. Learn more about the risk factors for vector-borne diseases.   What the Fairfax County Health Department is Doing  The Health Department uses an integrated approach to help protect people from diseases spread by mosquitoes and ticks. This includes collecting and analyzing mosquitoes and ticks, monitoring human cases of illness, and community education. County residents can also access these free services: Tick Identification — The Health Department’s tick identification service can provide you with information about the type of tick that bit you. This information can be useful if you need to speak to your medical provider. (This service does not remove ticks or provide medical advice). Yard Inspections — Have your yard checked for mosquito breeding sites and get mosquito prevention tips. Visit Mosquito Prevention and scroll down to “Mosquito Inspection Request Form.” More Resources: Disease Carrying Insects Program (Fairfax County Health Department) Vector-Borne Diseases (CDC) Vector-Borne Diseases: Climate and Health (CDC) Avoid Bug Bites: Travelers’ Health (CDC) Find the Repellent that is Right for You (EPA) "Bugs” & Human Health (Virginia Department of Health)   From Climate Matters, the blog of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.