Health Department

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our administration office at 10777 Main Street in Fairfax is open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Clinic services are not offered at this location.
703-246-2411 TTY 711
10777 Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., M.P.H.
Director of Health

Health Alerts and Advisories

Department Resources

Related Resources

Health Advisories and Alerts are significant public health notices intended for healthcare providers. Please review and share within your practice widely.

  • A Health Alert conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.
  • A Health Advisory provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.

Providers who would like to be added to or modify their contact information in the Fairfax County Health Departments distribution list should complete this Physician Contact Information form.

To request Fairfax County Health Department alerts published before July 2018, email hdcd@fairfaxcounty.gov.

See recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Alerts.

Health Alerts and Advisories

Significant Increase in Diagnosed Pneumonia in Northern Virginia

October 30, 2024

Health Advisory

Summary

Fairfax Health District is experiencing a significant increase in diagnosed pneumonia. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care (UC) centers with diagnosed pneumonia comprised 5.5% of all ED/UC visits for the week of October 20-26, the highest experienced in Fairfax to date. Among ED/UC visits in Fairfax facilities during the week of Oct.…
Significant Increase in Diagnosed Pneumonia in Northern Virginia

Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak in Rwanda and U.S. Traveler Airport Screening

October 14, 2024

Health Advisory

Summary

On October 3, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisoryto inform clinicians and health departments about the Republic of Rwanda’s first confirmed outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) with 58 laboratory confirmed cases and 13 deaths reported…
Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak in Rwanda and U.S. Traveler Airport Screening

Risk of Oropouche Virus Disease in U.S. Travelers

September 3, 2024

Health Advisory

Summary

On August 16, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisoryto notify clinicians about an increased risk of Oropouche virus disease in travelers from affected countries:…
Risk of Oropouche Virus Disease in U.S. Travelers

Significant Increase in Pertussis Cases in Northern Virginia

August 5, 2024

Health Advisory

Summary

The Northern Virginia Health Region, including the Fairfax Health District, is experiencing a significant increase in pertussis case reports. As of August 2, 2024, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) has investigated 40 pertussis cases in 2024, exceeding the previous five-year average (2019-2023) of 10 cases per year. Healthcare…
Significant Increase in Pertussis Cases in Northern Virginia

Increased Risk of Dengue Virus Infections in the United States

June 27, 2024

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify healthcare providers, public health authorities and the public of an increased risk of dengue virus (DENV) infections in the United States in 2024. Global incidence of dengue in 2024 has been the highest on record for this…

Increased Risk of Dengue Virus Infections in the United States

First West Nile Positive Mosquito Pool Reported in Fairfax Health District in 2024

June 10, 2024

Health Advisory

Summary

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) has identified the first West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito pools in the Fairfax Health District in 2024; the mosquitoes were collected on May 21 and May 23 in the Falls Church, McLean, and Springfield areas. One additional positive pool was reported for the following week in the Burke area. This…
First West Nile Positive Mosquito Pool Reported in Fairfax Health District in 2024

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Update And Reporting Guidance

June 4, 2024

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a third human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus infection following dairy cattle exposure, occurring in a Michigan dairy worker (fourth case overall). While to date, HPAI A(H5N1) has not been detected in people or dairy cattle in Virginia and CDC still…
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Update And Reporting Guidance

CDC Health Advisory: Meningococcal Disease Cases Linked to Travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

May 24, 2024

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to alert healthcare providers to cases of meningococcal disease linked to Umrah travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The full HAN is linked below this Advisory. The focus of the HAN is to emphasize vaccination prior to travel…
CDC Health Advisory: Meningococcal Disease Cases Linked to Travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Reporting Adverse Events in Children Following Exposure to THC and CBD Containing Products

May 9, 2024

Health Advisory

Summary

On April 24, 2024, the State Health Commissioner sent a letter to healthcare providers informing them of a newly established surveillance system intended to better characterize the burden and impact of adverse events due to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) on children in Virginia.

Providers are asked to report the…

Reporting Adverse Events in Children Following Exposure to THC and CBD Containing Products

Increased measles activity in National Capitol Region

February 9, 2024

Health Advisory

Summary

Over the past several weeks, three measles cases occurred, two in infants and one in an adult, living in or transiting through the National Capitol Region. Each individual had traveled internationally where the exposure occurred. While no case resided in the Fairfax Health District, these cases serve as a reminder to remain vigilant and prepared…
Increased measles activity in National Capitol Region

CDC Health Alert: Urgent Need to Increase Immunization Coverage for Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV Immunizations and Use of Authorized/Approved Therapeutics in the Setting of Increased Respiratory Disease Activity During the 2023 – 2024 Winter Season

December 15, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a ...
CDC Health Alert: Urgent Need to Increase Immunization Coverage for Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV Immunizations and Use of Authorized/Approved Therapeutics in the Setting of Increased Respiratory Disease Activity During the 2023 – 2024 Winter Season

Limited Availability of Nirsevimab in the United States—Interim CDC Recommendations to Protect Infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the 2023–2024 Respiratory Virus Season

October 26, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to provide options for clinicians to protect infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the context of alimited supply of nirsevimab, a…

Limited Availability of Nirsevimab in the United States—Interim CDC Recommendations to Protect Infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the 2023–2024 Respiratory Virus Season

Fairfax Health District Case Associated with Statewide Outbreak of Meningococcal Disease

October 12, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

The Virginia Department of Health is responding to a statewide outbreak of meningococcal disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y. The first case in Northern…
Fairfax Health District Case Associated with Statewide Outbreak of Meningococcal Disease

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

September 22, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

An updated COVID-19 vaccine is available for the 2023-2024 season. As of September 12, 2023, mRNA vaccines produced by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech and approved and authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use in the United States. CDC recommends all persons ages 6…
COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Locally Acquired Malaria Case Identified in Maryland

August 31, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

The Maryland Department of Health reported a single case of locally acquired malaria in the National Capital Region on August 18, 2023. This case was caused by Plasmodium falciparum and is unrelated to the cases involving local transmission of Plasmodium vivax malaria identified in Florida and Texas earlier this summer. To date, Florida has…
Locally Acquired Malaria Case Identified in Maryland

Health Risks Associated with Receipt of Medical Care Outside the U.S.

July 24, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary:

“Medical tourism” is when one seeks medical care outside the U.S. to reduce cost, obtain access to procedures or therapies not available in the U.S., or be closer to family or in a more familiar cultural setting when receiving care. Medical care also may be received due to illness during international travel. Millions of U.S. residents travel…
Health Risks Associated with Receipt of Medical Care Outside the U.S.

First West Nile Positive Mosquito Pool Reported in Fairfax Health District in 2023

July 18, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) has identified its first West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito pool in the Fairfax Health District in 2023; the mosquitoes were collected on June 27 (week 26) in the Falls Church area. No additional positive pools were reported for that week or the following week (week 27). FCHD identifies WNV in…
First West Nile Positive Mosquito Pool Reported in Fairfax Health District in 2023

Shortage of penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)

July 5, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

Bicillin L-A is the only CDC-recommended syphilis treatment for some patients, including pregnant people infected with or exposed to syphilis and infants with congenital syphilis. The FDA listed a shortage of penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension products (Bicillin L-A®) on April 26, 2023. Pfizer provided an availability update (...
Shortage of penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)

Potential Risk for New Mpox Cases

May 16, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

On May 15, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Alert notice informing clinicians about a potential risk of new mpox (formerly monkeypox) cases. Spring and summer season in 2023 could lead to a resurgence of mpox as people gather for festivals and other events. The purpose of this advisory is to inform clinicians…
Potential Risk for New Mpox Cases

Marburg Virus Disease Outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania

April 12, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health departments in the United States about two confirmed outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD)—one in Equatorial Guinea and one in Tanzania. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that these two…

Marburg Virus Disease Outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania

Increase in Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis in the United States

March 1, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been monitoring an increase in extensively drug-resistant (XDR)Shigellainfections (shigellosis) reported through national surveillance systems [1].In 2022, about 5% ofShigellainfections reported to CDC were caused by XDR strains, compared with 0% in 2015. Clinicians treating patients…

Increase in Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis in the United States

Congenital Syphilis Increase

February 16, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

A substantial increase in congenital syphilis cases has occurred in recent years in the Fairfax Health District, with a case identified in 2023 resulting in a fatality. The rise in congenital cases parallels a local increase in syphilis cases overall and an increase in congenital syphilis statewide. Rigorous adherence by providers to timely…
Congenital Syphilis Increase

Outbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Artificial Tears

February 7, 2023

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about infections with an extensively drug-resistant strain of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) in 12…

Outbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Artificial Tears

Increase in Pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections

January 6, 2023

HEALTH ADVISORY

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and public health authorities of a recent increase in pediatric invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections. In November 2022, CDC was notified of a possible increase in iGAS infections among children at a…

Increase in Pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections

CDC’s Revised Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Facilities & Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Boosters

October 11, 2022

Health Advisory

SUMMARY

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guidance

On September 23, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated COVID-19 IPC recommendations for healthcare…
CDC’s Revised Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Facilities & Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Boosters

Reporting requirements at veterinary practices for bites or potential rabies exposure.

September 12, 2022

Health Advisory

Summary

Veterinarians and their support staff play a crucial role in preventing the transmission of rabies to humans. Fairfax County code requires that all animal bites to humans and potential…
Reporting requirements at veterinary practices for bites or potential rabies exposure.

Variant Influenza Virus Infections: Recommendations for Identification, Treatment, and Prevention for Summer and Fall 2022

August 31, 2022

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to provide updates on recent variant1influenza virus infections and summarize CDC’s recommendations for identification, treatment, and prevention of variant influenza virus infection for the summer and fall of…

Variant Influenza Virus Infections: Recommendations for Identification, Treatment, and Prevention for Summer and Fall 2022

Monkeypox Update - Expanded Vaccination Eligibility

August 25, 2022

Health Advisory

Summary

In Virginia, eligibility for monkeypox vaccine has recently been expanded to include all individuals, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, who have had anonymous or multiple (more than 1) sexual partners in the last 2 weeks. See full eligibility criteria in the suggested actions section, below. Fairfax Health District residents can now…
Monkeypox Update - Expanded Vaccination Eligibility

Tecovirimat (TPOXX) Monkeypox Treatment Update

July 28, 2022

Health Advisory

Summary

Given monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, antiviral drugs developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat monkeypox virus infections. Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill -- for example -- patients with weakened immune systems or…
Tecovirimat (TPOXX) Monkeypox Treatment Update

Monkeypox Update- Commercial Testing and Vaccination Availability

July 21, 2022

Health Advisory

SUMMARY

Case counts of monkeypox continue to increase across the United States and in the National Capitol Region. The highest rate of disease in the US is found in the District of Columbia, suggesting continued transmission in our community. Testing for monkeypox is now widely available at commercial laboratories. Healthcare providers who suspect…
Monkeypox Update- Commercial Testing and Vaccination Availability

First West Nile Positive Mosquito Pool Reported in Fairfax Health District in 2022

June 30, 2022

Health Advisory

SUMMARY

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) has identified its first West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito pool in the Fairfax Health District in 2022; the mosquitoes were collected on June 14 (week 24) in the Mt. Vernon area. No additional positive pools were reported for that week. FCHD identifies WNV in our mosquitoes throughout the Health…
First West Nile Positive Mosquito Pool Reported in Fairfax Health District in 2022

Updated Case-finding Guidance: Monkeypox Outbreak—United States, 2022

June 15, 2022

Summary

Since May 2022, monkeypox cases, which have historically been rare in the United States, have been identified in 18 states and territories among both persons returning from international travel and their close contacts domestically. Globally, more than 1,600 cases have been reported from more than 30 countries; the case count continues to rise daily. In the United States,…

Updated Case-finding Guidance: Monkeypox Outbreak—United States, 2022

Uniting for Ukraine program (U4U) – Refugee tuberculosis benefits for Ukrainian parolees

June 8, 2022

Health Advisory

Summary

The United States government has developed a program entitled Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) to support Ukrainians who have been displaced from their homes due to the war. Due to the high burden of tuberculosis (TB) in Ukraine, parolees are being advised that they need to get an evaluation and screening for TB within 2 weeks of arrival into United…

Uniting for Ukraine program (U4U) – Refugee tuberculosis benefits for Ukrainian parolees

Presumptive monkeypox case in Northern Virginia associated with an individual with recent international travel

May 26, 2022

Health Alert

Summary

A presumptive positive monkeypox case has been identified in Northern Virginia associated with international travel to an endemic area. The Virginia Department of Health and the local health departments are investigating and contacting people known to have been exposed. Healthcare providers who suspect monkeypox infections should immediately call…
Presumptive monkeypox case in Northern Virginia associated with an individual with recent international travel

Confirmed measles cases in Northern VA associated with an unvaccinated individual with recent international travel with multiple exposures in Northern VA, including Fairfax County.

May 18, 2022

Health Advisory

Summary

A confirmed measles case has been identified in Northern Virginia associated with international travel. The suspect case is known to have visited multiple health care facilities in Northern VA during their infectious period. The Fairfax County Health Department is conducting an investigation and is contacting people known to have been exposed in…
Confirmed measles cases in Northern VA associated with an unvaccinated individual with recent international travel with multiple exposures in Northern VA, including Fairfax County.

Updated Information on Availability and Use of Treatments for Outpatients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Who are at Increased Risk for Severe Outcomes of COVID-19

April 28, 2022

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to update healthcare providers, public health departments, and the public about the availability and use of recommended therapies for COVID-19 and to advise against using unproven treatments that have known or potential harms for…

Updated Information on Availability and Use of Treatments for Outpatients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Who are at Increased Risk for Severe Outcomes of COVID-19

Recommendations for Adenovirus Testing and Reporting of Children with Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology

April 21, 2022

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and public health authorities of a cluster of children identified with hepatitis and adenovirus infection. In November 2021, clinicians at a large children’s hospital in Alabama notified CDC of five pediatric…

Recommendations for Adenovirus Testing and Reporting of Children with Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology

VDH Health Commissioner COVID-19 Update - March 2022

March 14, 2022

Health Advisory

Healthcare providers, please review the March 10, 2022 VDH Health Commissioner COVID-19 update which contains important information about:

CDC COVID-19 Community Levels COVID-19 Therapeutics Consideration of…
VDH Health Commissioner COVID-19 Update - March 2022

COVID-19 Booster Dose Update

February 23, 2022

HEALTH ADVISORY

SUMMARY

Currently, only 55% of Fairfax Health District residents who are eligible for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine booster dose have received one. The proportion is substantially lower among African Americans and Hispanics. Recently published studies from multiple US states documents that receipt of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose significantly increases…
COVID-19 Booster Dose Update

Confirmed measles cases in Fairfax Health District associated with an unvaccinated individual with recent international travel

February 7, 2022

Health Advisory

SUMMARY

A measles cases has been identified amongst an unvaccinated individual with recent international travel. Multiple exposure locations have been identified in the Fairfax Health District. Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) is contacting people known to have been exposed in the Health District to provide public health guidance. See table below…
Confirmed measles cases in Fairfax Health District associated with an unvaccinated individual with recent international travel

Healthcare provider guidance for reports of at-home COVID test kits

January 6, 2022

HEALTH ADVISORY

SUMMARY

As rapid at-home COVID-19 testing continues to increase in our community, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) wanted to highlight that current Virginia Department of…
Healthcare provider guidance for reports of at-home COVID test kits

COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant People to Prevent Serious Illness, Deaths, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes from COVID-19

September 29, 2021

Health Advisory

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends urgent action to increase Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future. CDC strongly recommends COVID-19…

COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant People to Prevent Serious Illness, Deaths, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes from COVID-19

Measles cases in Northern VA associated with individuals traveling from Afghanistan

September 14, 2021

HEALTH ADVISORY

SUMMARY

Several measles cases in children under age 18 have been identified among individuals traveling from Afghanistan as part of the Federal government’s evacuation program and who passed through Northern Virginia. Multiple cases remain at local Federally contracted facilities. The Virginia Department of Health is investigating in collaboration with…
Measles cases in Northern VA associated with individuals traveling from Afghanistan

Legislative Changes for Minimum Immunization Requirements in Virginia Day Cares and Schools

July 20, 2021

HEALTH ADVISORY

SUMMARY

Effective July 1, 2021, children will now require four additional vaccines for school entry. The first day of school for Fairfax County Public Schools is August 23rd. Rotavirus vaccine, meningococcal conjugate vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine, and human papillomavirus vaccine are now required vaccines for school entry. This new legislation brings…

Legislative Changes for Minimum Immunization Requirements in Virginia Day Cares and Schools

First West Nile Positive Mosquito Pool Reported in Fairfax Health District in 2021

July 2, 2021

HEALTH ADVISORY

SUMMARY

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) has identified its first West Nile Virus (WNV) positive mosquito pool in the Fairfax Health District in 2021; the mosquitoes were collected in a gravid trap on June 15 (week 24) in the Great Falls/McLean area. No additional positive pools were reported for that week. FCHD identifies WNV in our…
First West Nile Positive Mosquito Pool Reported in Fairfax Health District in 2021

Healthcare Provider’s Role in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

April 19, 2021

Health Advisory

SUMMARY

On April 18, Fairfax County and all Virginia began offering COVID-19 vaccination to Phase 2 individuals (all persons 16 years old and older). Reaching countywide coverage levels consistent with herd immunity requires continuing to mobilize people to schedule their vaccination and addressing vaccine hesitancy. Research and experience consistently…

Healthcare Provider’s Role in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy

Continued Pause Recommended in Use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

April 15, 2021

HEALTH ADVISORY

Summary

Per the CDC HAN on April 13, 2021 (Cases of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia after Receipt of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine) and the emergency meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, the CDC and FDA are recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson and…

Continued Pause Recommended in Use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Quarantine Guidance

December 9, 2020

Health Advisory

SUMMARY

On December 2, 2020, the CDC released Options to Reduce Quarantine for Contacts of Persons with…

COVID-19 Quarantine Guidance

COVID-19 School/Daycare Guidance for Healthcare Providers

October 15, 2020

HEALTH ADVISORY

SUMMARY

VDH released a new algorithm for when a child should be excluded from school or childcare, what care and further evaluation for COVID-19 should be pursued, and when the child can return to the school or childcare setting (...

COVID-19 School/Daycare Guidance for Healthcare Providers

COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Intent

October 5, 2020

Health Advisory

On October 2, 2020, the Virginia Department of Health released a letter to clinicians as part of theirplanning for the possibility of COVID-19 vaccination.

"Dear Colleague:

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has begun diligently planning for the possibility of COVID-19 vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has…

COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Intent

2020-2021 Seasonal Influenza: Updates, Vaccine and Reporting Reminder with Resources for Healthcare Professionals (during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

September 18, 2020

HEALTH ADVISORY

Summary

October 1st marks the beginning of influenza season surveillance. The 2019-2020 influenza season included 19 weeks of widespread activity before dropping dramatically in April coinciding with measures that were instituted to combat COVID-19. This flu season will require even more rigorous measures to strengthen surveillance and preventive…

2020-2021 Seasonal Influenza: Updates, Vaccine and Reporting Reminder with Resources for Healthcare Professionals (during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

COVID-19 Laboratory Updates

September 15, 2020

Health Advisory

Summary

RT-PCR is the gold-standard viral diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for four test systems to detect SARS-CoV-2 antigens from respiratory swab specimens. These tests offer rapid, point-of-care diagnosis. The CDC recently released interim guidance for rapid antigen…

COVID-19 Laboratory Updates

Letter to Clinicians: Acute Flaccid Myelitis

August 5, 2020

Health Alert

The Virginia Department of Health released a letter to clinicians ahead of theapproaching acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) season. The letter providesresources for evaluating and reporting a suspect case.

AFM is a rare but serious illness for which there is no known definitive treatment or means of prevention. It is most commonly seen in young children, the…

Letter to Clinicians: Acute Flaccid Myelitis

COVID-19 Healthcare Updates

July 6, 2020

Health Advisory

SUMMARY

On July 1, Virginia entered Phase 3 of reopening. To avoid the resurgence of disease experienced in many other states and contributing to record numbers of new infections, two actions are critical: 1) Individuals must maintain protective behaviors; and 2) Persons who have fever and/or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 must be tested. A positive…

COVID-19 Healthcare Updates

COVID-19 Public Health Testing Guidance Update & Request Process

March 25, 2020

SUMMARY

The criteria for COVID-19 public health testing by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) at the state lab (DCLS) have been updated. This update is reflective of public health’s shift to prioritize case identification amonghigh risk populations and de-emphasizes the testing of symptomatic contacts to a confirmed case in non-high-risk settings. Please utilize ...
COVID-19 Public Health Testing Guidance Update & Request Process

COVID-19 Public Health Testing Guidance

March 17, 2020

SUMMARY

The criteria for COVID-19 public health testing by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) at the state lab (DCLS) have been updated. Please utilize the attached public health testing algorithm, which can also be found on FCHD’s COVID-19 provider webpage. FCHD does not…
COVID-19 Public Health Testing Guidance

COVID-19 Commercial Testing Guidance

March 12, 2020

Health Alert

SUMMARY

COVID-19 commercial testing capabilities have been rapidly changing over the past week; PCR testing is now available for healthcare providers through LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics. Testing through Mayo Clinic, UVA and VCU is currently under development. Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) works with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to…
COVID-19 Commercial Testing Guidance

First Fairfax Health District Case of COVID-19 Infection and Criteria for COVID-19 Testing and Test Request Process

March 9, 2020

Health Alert

Summary

A Fairfax Health District resident has been identified as a presumptive positive COVID-19 case based on testing at the Virginia state laboratory; confirmation by CDC is pending. The patient is Fairfax City resident in their 80s who traveled internationally. The patient developed respiratory symptoms on February 28 and was hospitalized on March…
First Fairfax Health District Case of COVID-19 Infection and Criteria for COVID-19 Testing and Test Request Process

UPDATE: Expansion of Persons Under Investigation (PUI) Criteria for COVID-2019

February 28, 2020

Health Advisory

SUMMARY:

• The CDC clinical criteria to guide evaluation of persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 has been updated (02/27/2020), https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-criteria.html

• Healthcare providers should immediately notify both…

UPDATE: Expansion of Persons Under Investigation (PUI) Criteria for COVID-2019

Confirmed measles case with multiple exposures in Northern VA, including Fairfax County

January 31, 2020

Health Alert

SUMMARY:

A measles case has been identified in Northern Virginia associated with international travel. The case arrived at Dulles Airport the evening of January 26 and visited a health care facility and other locations in Fairfax County during their infectious period. The Fairfax County Health Department is contacting people who are known to have been…
Confirmed measles case with multiple exposures in Northern VA, including Fairfax County

UPDATE- Expansion of Patient Under Investigation Criteria for 2019 Novel Coronavirus & Negative Result for Northern Virginia Patient Under Investigation

January 31, 2020

HEALTH ADVISORY

SUMMARY:

The patient under investigation (PUI) criteria has been updated by the CDC to include recent travel to Hubei Province and mainland China. The updated PUI algorithm can be seen below. Additionally, today, January 31, 2020, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) received laboratory confirmation from the CDC ruling out novel coronavirus for the…
UPDATE- Expansion of Patient Under Investigation Criteria for 2019 Novel Coronavirus & Negative Result for Northern Virginia Patient Under Investigation

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update

January 23, 2020

Health Advisory

SUMMARY:

• As of January 22, hundreds of confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV have been identified in China with several deaths. Travel associated cases have been identified in Thailand, Japan and South Korea, and one case has been identified in the United States in the state of Washington in a person reporting travel from Wuhan City.

• Coronaviruses…

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update

Vaping Associated Pulmonary Disease

October 25, 2019

Health Advisory

SUMMARY:

• On October 11, 2019, CDC released a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) titled, "Update- Interim Guidance for Health Care Providers Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Suspected E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use Associated Lung Injury – United States, October 2019." (...

Vaping Associated Pulmonary Disease

Identification and Reporting of Vaping-associated Pulmonary Disease

August 23, 2019

Health Advisory

SUMMARY:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a note to clinicians on cases of severe pulmonary disease among adolescents and young adults who report “vaping” or “dabbing” (i.e., vaping marijuana oils, extracts or concentrates) during the weeks and months prior to hospital admission. No specific product has been linked to the…
Identification and Reporting of Vaping-associated Pulmonary Disease

Widespread Cyclospora Outbreak in National Capital Region (NCR)

June 18, 2019

Health Advisory

SUMMARY:

• A significant increase in the number of reported cyclosporiasis cases have been seen in the National Capital Region (NCR) since mid-June 2019. The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) has identified seven confirmed cases since that time; the annual average number of reported cases is two per year (over the past five years).

• A…

Widespread Cyclospora Outbreak in National Capital Region (NCR)

Outbreak of Respiratory Illness at a Long-Term Care Facility

July 12, 2019

Health Advisory

SUMMARY:

• Fairfax County Health Department is conducting an outbreak investigation at Greenspring, a long-term care facility with assisted living and skilled nursing care, in Springfield, VA.

• Since June 30, 2019, 55 out of the 263 residents assisted living and skilled nursing care have become ill with respiratory symptoms ranging from upper…

Outbreak of Respiratory Illness at a Long-Term Care Facility

Suspected Measles Case with Multiple Exposures in Northern VA

June 6, 2019

HEALTH ADVISORY

SUMMARY:

• A suspected measles case has been identified in Northern Virginia associated with international travel. The suspect case is known to have visited a health care facility in Fairfax County during their infectious period.

• The Fairfax County Health Department is conducting an investigation and is contacting people known to have been…

Suspected Measles Case with Multiple Exposures in Northern VA

Increased Measles Activity in the United States

April 26, 2019

Health Advisory

Summary

From January 1 to April 19, 2019, 626 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 22 states. This is the second most cases for any year since measles elimination was declared in 2000.

No confirmed cases of measles have occurred in Virginia this year. However, three cases were identified in Maryland in the last month, increasing…

Increased Measles Activity in the United States

2018 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) RED BOOK - Updated Recommendations for Pediatric Tuberculosis Testing, LTBI Treatment and Rifampin Dosing

July 5, 2018

Health advisory providing information about updated recommendations for pediatric tuberculosis testing, Latent TB Infection (LTBI) treatment and Rifampin dosing in the 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics Red Book.

2018 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) RED BOOK - Updated Recommendations for Pediatric Tuberculosis Testing, LTBI Treatment and Rifampin Dosing

Fairfax County Health Department Press Release About First Reported Human Case of West Nile Virus 

August 3, 2018

Fairfax County Health Department has identified the first reported human case of West Nile Virus disease in 2018 in the Fairfax Health District.

Fairfax County Health Department Press Release About First Reported Human Case of West Nile Virus 

Increased Influenza Outbreak Activity in Long-Term Care Facilities and Recommendations for Prevention

January 19, 2018

Fairfax County Health Department is recommending that long-term care facilities take action to prevent influenza outbreaks, including exclusion of ill visitors and staff, rigorous hand hygiene and cough etiquette, vaccination, and appropriate diagnosis and case management.

Increased Influenza Outbreak Activity in Long-Term Care Facilities and Recommendations for Prevention

Fairfax County Health Department Press Release About Risks of Unlicensed Dental Practices

March 23, 2018

Fairfax County Health Department is recommending anyone who received dental care by an unlicensed provider to see their health care provider to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, which are all spread through blood exposure.

Fairfax County Health Department Press Release About Risks of Unlicensed Dental Practices

2018-2019 Seasonal Influenza Reporting Reminder and Resources for Health Care Professionals

October 12, 2017

Fairfax County flu reporting requirements and resources for health care professionals.

2018-2019 Seasonal Influenza Reporting Reminder and Resources for Health Care Professionals

Advice to Clinicians About Leptospirosis in U.S. Travelers Returning from Northern Israel

September 10, 2018

Health care providers are required to report both lab-confirmed and clinically suspect cases of leptospirosis to their local health department.

Advice to Clinicians About Leptospirosis in U.S. Travelers Returning from Northern Israel

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Update

November 20, 2018

Fairfax County Health Department issues health advisory providing an Acute Flaccid Myelitis update on November 20, 2018.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Update

Latent Tuberculosis Infection Reporting

November 27, 2018

The Virginia Department of Health has added Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) to the Regulations for Disease Reporting and Control List. Diagnoses of LTBI are now required to be reported in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Latent Tuberculosis Infection Reporting
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