703-246-2411
TTY 711
Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., M.P.H.,
Director of Health
Lucy H. Caldwell
Public Information Officer
Phone: 703-246-8635
Email
Health Department Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request Form
Learn more about the Virginia FOIA.
See Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) for information about COVID-19.
See COVID-19 Vaccine for information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Visit the Fairfax County Emergency Information blog for COVID-19 news.
From the Virginia Department of Health
Individual is Resident in Northern Virginia
(Richmond, VA) — Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)…
Larry tested positive for HIV in 1986 and he didn’t tell anyone for 5 years. He felt the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS at that time made it difficult for people to share their positive status and a lack of understanding and resources made getting help a challenge. While there is no cure for HIV, medical advancements now allow HIV positive individuals, including Larry, to live with the disease.…
The schoolyear 2021-22 is coming to an end, but now is the time for children to get caught-up on their immunizations for the 2022-23 year ahead. Parents and caregivers are urged to make an appointment with their child’spediatrician now to avoid the mid and late summer crowds trying to ensure that all students receive their required school immunizations.
“Each year, healthcare…
The Fairfax County Health Department has confirmed rabies in a coyote located in North Springfield/Lake Accotink area (7900 block of Carrleigh Parkway). If you, someone you know, or a pet touched or was bitten or scratched by the animal between Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5, you are urged to call the Fairfax County Health Department Rabies Program at 703-246-2433, TTY 711.
The…
Members of the public can now access retail food establishment inspection reports more quickly and easily, as part of an update to the county’s new online PLUS platform.
Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Fairfax County Health Department Director, says the new system is “a step forward in offering available public health…
Three Live Healthy Award winners were recognized at the kickoff of the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax Spring meeting today. The Live Healthy Fairfax Awards program, established this year, recognized three community members who’s commitment to health and wellness initiatives went “above and beyond” in the…
According to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute 2022 County Health Rankings report, Fairfax County is ranked the fourth healthiest county out of 133 in the commonwealth. Falls Church City ranks as the healthiest locality,…
The opioid epidemic continues to impact the Northern Virginia region and the nation. Just this week, two youth fatally overdosed in Prince William County after taking what preliminarily appear to be fentanyl-laced percocets (official causes of death are pending toxicology results).
Fentanyl is extremely fatal, even in the smallest doses.Similar to national and statewide trends, most…
Fairfax Health District is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk
Out of an abundance of caution, the Fairfax Health District is informing people who were at the locations listed below during the specified time frames, that they may have been exposed to a person with measles. Health officials are mounting a coordinated effort to identify people who may have been exposed. Listed…
Virginia Department of Health Northern Virginia Region News Release:
Public Health leaders in the…
November 5 UPDATE/CLARIFICATION: After a thorough veterinary examination on the body of the cat was conducted this week, the results indicate that the cat was not spayed as was shared in the previous release.
The Fairfax County Health Department has confirmed rabies in a young…
The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax, a coalition of community members and organizations working together to explore new approaches for addressing the social determinants of health and other critical public health issues, is seeking nominations for its 2022 Live Healthy Fairfax Award. The award recognizes individuals, businesses, government, as well as private and public organizations that…
The Fairfax County Health Department confirmed rabies in a raccoon that was chasing people and pets in Luria Park, located at 7624 Holmes Run Dr, Falls Church, VA 22042, on Friday, October 22, 2021. If you, someone you know, or a pet had contact with the animal, you are urged to call the Fairfax County Health Department Rabies Program at 703-246-6004, TTY 711. Any one or any pet that had…
While COVID-19 cases are slowly declining, families are wondering if it’s OK to celebrate Halloween this year. The short answer is yes, but with precautions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are ways to enjoy the tradition and still protect your health. The best way to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19 and possibly spreading the…
Fairfax County continues to look for ways to make roadways and communities safer so that more people can enjoy biking and walking. Education is a key component to traffic safety and in a new collaborative effort, schools, county agencies and Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik created opportunities for children and families to learn more about the rules of the road on a small stretch of…
“Stronger Partnership, Stronger Community: Using Health Literacy to Increase Resilience (Stronger2)” brings together trusted community voices to foster culturally competent health literacy
The Fairfax County Health Department has begun a new initiative to improve health literacy among local African-American, African and Hispanic communities. Named “Stronger…
On Friday, October 8, a Community Vaccination Center (CVC) (a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination clinic) will reopen in…
With the COVID-19 pandemic still underway, and influenza season starting, it’s more important than ever that everyone do their part to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Health experts urge everyone 6 months of age and older to get a flu shot this year and every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu vaccination in September…
Northern Virginia Health Departments Are Working Together to Identify People Who Are at Risk
(Fairfax, Va.)— Out of an abundance of caution, health districts in northern Virginia are informing people who were at various locations listed below during the specified time frames, that they may have been exposed to one of three people diagnosed with measles. These individuals recently…
The Fairfax County Health Department is urgently requesting that families take immediate action to update immunizations required for their children to attend school in the fall. Failure to do so may impact a student’s ability to enroll.
“It is important not to wait until the last minute.…
“Brood X-cellent to see you again / I been / chillin’ underground with my friends / sippin’ on root juices /17 years as a nymph / ditchin’ this skin / for tymbals, genitalia and tent-like wings…”
That’s just a taste of MC Bugg-Z’s entomological hip-hop anthem for summer 2021, “...
The Fairfax County Health Department is hiring staff to support its COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic response efforts. Specifically, the agency is looking for Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses to join its vaccination team on a part-time, temporary basis.
These individuals will join a team of health care professionals to…
Beginning Dec. 21, the Fairfax Health District will consolidate services across its five district offices to the Joseph Willard Health Center (JWHC) in the City of Fairfax and will remain open for essential services offered by appointment only, Monday – Friday, 8 am to…
The Fairfax Health District is expanding its pool of contact tracing staff and is actively seeking weekend contact interviewers. As COVID-19 cases increase in the Fairfax Health District, the additional staff will be needed in the efforts to effectively slow…
There’s a new way to access timely, relevant and trustworthy information about the Fairfax County Health Department and the COVID-19 pandemic. Just follow @FairfaxHealth on Instagram.
The photo-friendly social media platform will aid in the department’s efforts to connect with younger audiences and encourage…
[Fairfax, VA] – While it is too soon to know the specific impacts of COVID-19 on people who use e-cigarettes, we do know that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 attacks the lungs and there is growing evidence that vaping can harm lung health overall. This is why it is more important than ever for young people to quit vaping to protect their health. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be…
With the COVID-19 pandemic still in full force and influenza season now starting, it’s more important than ever that everyone do their part to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Health experts urge everyone 6 months of age and older to get a flu shot this year and every year.
Flu vaccination will reduce symptoms that might be confused with those of COVID-19.…
August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the Fairfax County Health Department recently recognized two community partners for their contributions in protecting the health of children through their dedicated actions and commitment to immunizations throughout this historic pandemic.
ACCA Child Development Center in Annandale, Va. And La Petite Academy in Centreville, Va., are…
The Fairfax County Health Department is offering nine additional community childhood vaccination clinics and has expanded district office hours to provide Tdap vaccine at three clinics in Fairfax County. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of one of the free…
The Fairfax Health District has brought on close to 150 staff to help with contact tracing since June, with dozens more to be added in coming weeks in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. But with the need to fill approximately 400 positions, more Fairfax County residents are being encouraged to apply.
“Although we’ve had good response to our recruitment efforts so far, we would…
The Fairfax County Health Department is encouraging anyone who has symptoms or an exposure to COVID-19 to get tested right away. There are currently nearly 30 sites across the Fairfax Health District offering COVID-19 testing for both insured and uninsured…
June 5, 2020: This release was updated to include details for the July 25, 2020 vaccine clinic.
During this time of stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements, access to routine immunization services has been limited…
More than 20 sites across the Fairfax Health District are offering COVID-19 testing for both insured and uninsured residents, and the Health Department urges anyone with symptoms or anyone who is a close contact to someone who is sick to be tested.
“You do not need to wait in line…
The Fairfax County Health Department is pleased to partner with the Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) to hire and train staff for COVID-19 contact tracing efforts.
Contact tracing is a vital part of the Health Department’s approach to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. In conducting contact tracing, public health staff speak with individuals who have probable or diagnosed…
The Fairfax County Health Department has added new data points to its COVID-19 Case Data Dashboard in an effort to keep the public informed during the COVID-19 emergency. The Fairfax Health District is composed of Fairfax County, the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, and the towns of…
The Fairfax County Health Department has launched a new data site with more information on COVID-19 cases in the Fairfax Health District. The district is composed of Fairfax County, the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, and the towns of Herndon and Vienna.
In the interest of keeping the public…
The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting three additional deaths due to complications of COVID-19 – bringing the total number of deaths in the health district to five.
A male in his 60s A male in his 80s A male in his 90sAll three were hospitalized at the time of death and were previously included in case reporting.
“We are saddened by these…
The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting a second death of a person who recently tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was a male in his 60s who acquired COVID-19 through travel. The cause of death was the result of complications of COVID-19.
“This is a tragic loss and our hearts go out to his family and friends,” said Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Director of Health. “This…
Beginning March 24, the Fairfax Health District will consolidate services across its five district offices to two locations. The Joseph Willard Health Center in the City of Fairfax and the ...
The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting its first death of a hospitalized patient who previously tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. The patient was a male in his 60s who acquired COVID-19 through contact with a previously reported case. The cause of death was respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19.
This is the third death attributed to COVID-19 in the…
On March 20, Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) was notified of a confirmed case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) involving an individual at Crossroads Baptist Church in Bailey’s Crossroads, Va.
The individual is a male in his 40s who became ill with respiratory symptoms on March 12 while traveling out of state. The individual is currently hospitalized. Specimens were collected…
As of March 19, 2020, public health officials have noted evidence of community transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus in parts of Northern Virginia. There is a total of 16 cases of COVID-19 in the Fairfax Health District, which includes the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church and towns within the county.
Community transmission, or "community spread," is defined by the ...
Second Case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
A second resident of The Kensington, a senior living community, has tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Fairfax County Health Department, The Kensington, and the City of Falls Church are fully collaborating on the investigation and taking immediate action to prevent further spread.
Individuals…
Note: These cases are included in the total that was reported on the Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 webpage today.
The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting four additional presumptive positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Fairfax County.
Information about the additional cases:
Three individuals from the same household are close…
Note: These cases are included in the total that was reported on the Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 webpage at noon today.
The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting two additional presumptive positive cases for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Information about the additional cases:
The first case is an individual in her 40s who was in close…
The Fairfax County Health Department has announced the winners of its 14 Carrot Gold Food Safety Excellence Award for 2020.
Nine local food service operations, including two schools, a church, a supermarket, a health center, a café, two restaurants and a family-owned catering company, are being recognized for maintaining outstanding food safety practices and employee education. This…
(Richmond, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and local health officials statewide are monitoring developments surrounding the respiratory outbreak first detected in Wuhan, China caused by a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This is a rapidly evolving situation. To provide the latest local information and updates to Virginians, VDH has developed a ...
Because of the recent mediareports surrounding 21 Chinese exchange students who were visiting Fairfax County from the province where the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak is centered, we are providing the following information on the situation, as it currently exists:
The Fairfax County Health Departmentassessed the risk to the Fairfax community associated with these students as…
You can’t see, smell or taste it, but radon is second only to smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates January as National Radon Action Month, an annual observance to raise awareness of the dangers of radon, to promote radon testing and mitigation, and to advance the use of radon-resistant new construction…
A Spanish-language digital ad campaign aimed at protecting outdoor workers from tick and mosquito borne diseases has been honored by the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC).
Fairfax County Health Department’s “Combata las Picaduras” (Fight the Bite) campaign received a gold award in the government health marketing category of the 2019 Berreth Awards, recognizing…
(Richmond, Va.) - The State Health Commissioner is warning Virginians not to use any third party services to obtain vital records and not to pay any fee for vital records application forms, which have always been and always will be free. Although the forms are free, there are fees for searches.
Please ensure that any required payment goes directly to the Office of Vital Records.…
With the 2019-2020 flu season underway, the Virginia Department of Health encourages all Virginians age 6months and older who haven't received their annual influenza vaccine to get one now! State health officials gathered Friday, November 22, to highlight the importance of the vaccine and to receive a flu shot themselves.
...
The Fairfax County Health Department will again test their capacity to respond to a major public health emergency by providing free seasonal flu shots at Fairfax High School on Saturday, October 12, 2019.
Seasonal flu shots being offered are free to area adults and children ages 6 months and up. Shots will be administered starting at 9 a.m. on a first come first served basis while…
The 2019-2020 flu season is approaching, and the Fairfax County Department of Health encourages all people six months and older to receive their annual influenza vaccine and take other precautions to prevent the spread of flu.
Influenza, or flu, is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs, that easily spreads from person-to-person and can cause severe illness. When…
After identifying two animals located within 1-mile of each other that tested positive for rabies in the Herndon area over the last 30 days, the Fairfax County Health Department is asking residents to steer clear of wild animals and to report any animal attacks right away.
Dates and locations of the incidents are as follows:
Updated 12/3/19
Many states, including Virginia, have recently reported cases of severe lunginjury among teenagers and young adults with a history of "vaping" (i.e., practice of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device).
The most common symptoms include cough, shortness of breath and fatigue, with the illness getting worse over…
The Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Old Dominion Phytoplankton lab, monitor water quality in Lake Anna and other bodies of water in Virginia. An ...
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and the Fairfax County Health Department is recognizing two community partners for their ongoing efforts toprotect the health and wellbeing of children.
Advanced Pediatrics in Vienna, Va. is recognized for its commitment to providing school-required immunizations and other age-appropriate vaccines to children, according…
Certified copies of Virginia birth, death, marriage and divorce records are now available for purchase from the Fairfax County Health Department at four district office locations – in Fairfax, ...
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is providing more information about the ongoing investigation of reports of intestinal illness associated with Cyclospora
Read the news release.
Update: July 29, 2019
No new cases of illness have occurred in Heatherwoodsince July 15, 2019. Results of earlier testing submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated rhinovirus, a virus that causes the common cold. The facility continues normal operations.
Update: July 26, 2019 The outbreak of…
Who’s heard of West Nile Virus? //You might not realize it // but it’s inside of mosquitoes // and they can spread it to people.
That’s just a taste of MC Bugg-Z’s newest public health hip-hop anthem for the summer, “West Nile Story.” The Fairfax County Health Department is using the music video to raise…
Out of an abundance of caution, Health Districts in northern Virginia are informing people about potential exposures to a person with measles, including one location in Fairfax County.
Read the full news release: Virginia…
Want to see public health emergency response in action and help your community? Volunteer to participate in Capital Fortitude, a full-scale emergency exercise designed to evaluate the National Capital Region’s ability to dispense medication…
Join the Fairfax Food Council (FFC) and Faith Communities in Action (FCIA) on May 22 as we explore ways to make healthy, affordable food more accessible to everyone in our community. The 2019 Fairfax Food Equity Summit will bring community members and organizations together to examine Fairfax County’s food system through an equity lens.
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State Health Commissioner Dr. M. Norman Oliver today presented the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) 2019 Public Health Nurse of the Year award to Yvonne Creech, who runs the nursing home screening program for the Suffolk Health Department in the Western Tidewater Health District. Creech’s love for public health, her dedication and her passion for improving her community’s health has led…
Two KinderCare Learning Centers are getting kudos from the Fairfax County Health Department for their compliance with state immunization requirements as part of National Infant Immunization Week 2019.
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) – occurring this year from April 27-May 4 – is an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to improve the health of…
Public health officials in Northern Virginia are launching a region-wide tuberculosis awareness campaign, hoping to dispel myths and address barriers to testing and early treatment for those most at risk for TB.
The new campaign will use a combination of grassroots outreach, along with print, transit and digital advertising across Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William and…
The Fairfax County Health Department is seeing an increase in cases of gastrointestinal illness in the community and is reminding people to stay home when sick and for 24 hours after getting better, and to practice good handwashing to prevent further spread.
Gastrointestinal viruses, like norovirus, spread from person-to-person. The most common symptoms of norovirus include nausea,…
More than 600 people working at skilled nursing facilities in Fairfax County got their flu shot this monthas part of a vaccination exercise conducted by the Health Department.
Nine skilled nursing facilities participated in the exercise, which served two purposes: to increase vaccination rates among skilled nursing facility staff who work with clients who are particularly susceptible…
Springfield Academy earns praise for efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of children
For their contributions to protecting health and well-being of children in our community, Springfield Academy was recognized by the Fairfax County Health Department today as part of its National Infant Immunization Week activities. ...
The Fairfax County Health Department has launched a new voluntary enrollment program, Safety Through Actively Managing Practices (STAMP), for food service operations that meet a set of standards developed by the department.
STAMP requires that food…
Fairfax County health officials are warning residents about the serious health risks, including injury and infection, associated with dental procedures performed by unlicensed providers.
Recently the Health Department identified a person with a life-threatening blood-borne infection who received dental care by an unlicensed provider in the basement of a house in West Falls Church.…
Environmental health specialists from Fairfax County are among those being deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands to assist with the long-term recovery efforts from hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Virginia will send two Environmental Health strike teams to the islands this weekend. The teams, deployed through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Emergency Management…
