Health Department

From the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state's first measles case of the year. The patient is a child (0-4 years) in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the family's privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.

"This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with internation travel," said VDH State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano, D.O., M.P.H. "Vaccination remains our best defense against measles and is safe and highly effective at protecting people and preventing outbreaks. We urge Virginians, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status, talk to their health care provider, and get the MMR vaccine if needed."

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sights in Virginia:

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/

From the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state's first measles case of the year. The patient is a child (0-4 years) in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the family's privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.

"This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with internation travel," said VDH State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano, D.O., M.P.H. "Vaccination remains our best defense against measles and is safe and highly effective at protecting people and preventing outbreaks. We urge Virginians, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status, talk to their health care provider, and get the MMR vaccine if needed."

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sights in Virginia:

What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?

• If you have never received a measles containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
• Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
• If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
• If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov or contact your local health department.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/

R.I.S.E., which stands for Reading Intervention & Support for Excellence, is an intensive summer reading skills program offered by the Fairfax County Health Department's Speech and Hearing therapists. The R.I.S.E. program helps school-age children ages 5–21 develop language and reading skills. This multisensory, research-backed program builds essential skills in reading, spelling, and writing for young people who have received a diagnosis of dyslexia.

Led by ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologists, our one-on-one, personalized approach begins with the Lindamood Phonemic Sequencing (LiPS)® program to strengthen phonological awareness, then transitions into an Orton-Gillingham-based method to teach the rules of reading and writing effectively.

Highlights of the program include:

• Individualized instruction tailored to the student’s needs
• 30–40 hours of programming lasting between 6 to 8 weeks
• Follow-up support throughout the school year, tracking continued progress
• Affordable options: The Health Department accepts Medicaid and offers a sliding-scale fee for Fairfax County residents

Benefits for your child can include:

• Increased reading confidence and fluency
• Improved spelling and writing skills
• Greater success in school and reduced frustration with learning
• Enhanced self-esteem and a potential new passion for reading
• Stronger foundation for lifelong academic and personal achievement

By providing engaging materials, along with assessment tools for setting attainable goals, the therapist is dedicated to helping each child improve their literacy skills.

Participating in the program is intensive in the beginning, meeting five times per week for 6 weeks. It drops back to two-to-three times per week for the remainder of the academic year, if needed.

The program will take place during normal business hours, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.at the Herndon-Reston Health Clinic. The cost is $96.80 per session. A sliding scale is offered for all Fairfax County Residents who may qualify based on income qualifications. Medicaid is also accepted.

Don’t delay, sign up today to ensure your student's spot in the program. Space is limited To participate, you must register by May 30, 2025, by completing the Speech and Hearing Program request form. Select “Reading Program” in the Service Being Requested drop down menu.

For more information about registration, call 703-246-7120. More information about the Health Department’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Services is available on the Health Department's website.

Childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet nearly half a million U.S. children have elevated blood-lead levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lead is toxic to everyone, especially young children. Exposure to lead can lead to negative health impacts such as developmental delays, learning disabilities, reduced hearing, loss of appetite, behavioral issues, headaches as well as brain and kidney damage. Old paint, dust, soil, some imported candies, traditional medicines and toys are among the many common sources of lead. 

The Fairfax County Health Department is holding monthly lead testing events at Annandale Farmers Market and Mount Vernon Farmers Market from 8 am-12 pm. During these events, you will be able to bring your household items for lead testing at no cost to you. Appointments are not required. 

See dates and locations of lead testing events below.

What items can be tested? 

Items you can bring for testing include:

• Imported herbs, spices, seasonings and candy
• Traditional cosmetics
• Incense
• Religious powders
• Medications (ayurvedic or holistic medicine)

What is the testing process?

Items will be sent to a laboratory where they will be tested for lead. There is no guarantee that the items will be returned to you after they are sent off for testing. Results will be provided to you by your preferred contact method in about two weeks. You will also be given information on what the results mean and what steps you can take to protect against lead.

Learn more about the dangers of lead and what you can do to protect yourself and your family. 

Additional Resources:

• Virginia Department of Health Lead Safe Program 
• Common Sources of Lead - VDH 
• Lead Prevention - CDC 
• Learn About Lead - EPA 

Fairfax Health District's Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program has been awarded the 2025 Virginia EPIC Engage Award — a statewide recognition that celebrates excellence and innovation in volunteer engagement. 

Presented by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the EPIC Award — which stands for Engage, Partner, Innovate, and Champion — honors outstanding health district leaders who go above and beyond to strengthen their local MRC programs. Fairfax Health District was selected for the Engage Award because of its strong, creative engagement of its MRC volunteers. 

"Our MRC volunteers' service, their example and commitment throughout the years have been inspiring and helped build a healthier more resilient Fairfax," said Paula Rosca, Fairfax MRC program manager. "We truly have the best team of volunteers, and I am so honored that our program has received this award."

Over the past year, Fairfax MRC volunteers have supported a wide range of public health activities, from vaccination clinics to disaster preparedness outreach and training exercises. The team has also expanded its volunteer base and strengthened relationships with community partners across the county.

You don't need to be a healthcare professional to make a difference in the MRC. In fact, you don't need to have any sort of medical background at all. The Fairfax MRC welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds and skill sets. Whether you're a teacher, retiree, or IT professional, your unique skills are valuable in supporting emergency responses and everyday public health efforts. 

Ready to join the MRC? Learn more and begin your volunteer application. 

Oropouche and Dengue Updates

If you are traveling internationally this Spring Break, take care to avoid diseases carried by insects. Before you travel, it is important to remember to prevent bug bites and, in some cases, re-consider traveling.

Oropouche is a disease caused by the Oropouche virus. It is spread through the bites of infected biting midges (small flies) and mosquitoes. People who get infected with Oropouche virus may have symptoms like headache, fever, muscle aches, stiff joints, nausea, vomiting, chills, or sensitivity to light. Some people may develop severe disease that can include meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Oropouche in parts of Brazil and Panama. The state of Espírito Santo in Brazil is north of Rio de Janeiro and the Darién Province in Panama is south of Panama City and borders Colombia. All travelers to these affected areas should take steps to prevent bug bites during travel. Pregnant people should avoid travel to these areas and if travel is unavoidable, should strictly follow Oropouche prevention recommendations. There is also a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Oropouche in many other countries in the Americas and travelers should practice usual precautions to prevent bug bites.

Additionally, because sexual transmission of the virus from an infected man to their partner is possible, travelers should consider using condoms or not having sex during travel and for six weeks after returning.

Dengue is another disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of dengue may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding. Dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization. Dengue infection levels remain high in some United States territories (such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and many other countries globally. There is a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for dengue around the globe. Travelers should prevent mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens.

If you return from travel and are experiencing symptoms like those described above, contact your healthcare provider and tell them about your recent travel.

Get more information on up-to-date travel advisories from the U.S. State Department.

Each year, National Public Health Week is observed to recognize public health contributions and call attention to issues that are essential to protecting and improving our nation's health. This National Public Health Week, April 7-13, the theme: "It Starts Here!" reminds us that the health of our community starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and communities. 

At home, we play a part by ensuring loved ones and children are up to date on vaccinations. On-time vaccination throughout childhood is particularly essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. And regular vaccination also limits the spread of disease, especially in childcare and school environments. Other practical and simple measures we can all take to prevent the spread of disease include washing our hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of our elbow, and staying home when sick. We can also lower our risk of exposure to vector-borne diseases from mosquitoes and ticks by eliminating standing water breeding sites around our home and by wearing repellents when spending time outdoors. 

The power to share Fairfax's health lies within Fairfax - if you live, work, or play in Fairfax, then there is no better place to begin making a change than right here, in your own community. Join together with your neighbors, with our local health coalition (the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax), or with other community groups, to create change and advocate for it.

— Vinu Ilakkuvan, Founder and Principal Consultant of Pop Health, LLC and Co-Chair of the Healthy Environment and Active Living (HEAL) Team for the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax

The Health Department remains committed to protecting our residents from emerging and re-emerging public health threats, especially at-risk and vulnerable groups, such as older adults, children and those with underlying medical conditions. Public health faces a wide range of community challenges like the opioid epidemic and mental health disorders; communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and most recently, vaccine preventable diseases, like measles. To meet these challenges, we continue to build our capacity to access and analyze health data, strengthen our partnerships with county and state agencies and continually improve our public health surveillance capabilities to meet needs into the future.  

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has designated April 7-13 Public Health Week. Watch the proclamation reading along with Deputy Director for Innovation and Planning Christopher Revere's remarks. 

The Fairfax County Health Department utilizes tools to increase public knowledge of local health data and initiatives. Follow the Fairfax County Health Department on Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram, YouTube, and sign up to receive monthly updates through the Public Health in Action e-newsletter.

No Summer Slide! Keep Your Student’s Communication Skills Strong

Summer break is around the corner, but that doesn’t mean progress in speech therapy should pause. The Health Department’s Summer Speech Therapy Program is designed to help school-aged children continue building their communication skills, so they don’t lose momentum during the break.

Speech and language development is a journey, and consistency is important. By enrolling in the summer program, school-age children who have an established Individual Education Plan (IEP) will:

• Maintain and strengthen the progress they’ve made throughout the school year
• Build confidence in their speech and language skills in a fun, engaging setting
• Start the next school year with continued growth instead of playing catch-up

Experienced speech therapists create a supportive, motivating environment where children can thrive while still enjoying their summer. Students receive 6 weekly sessions of 1-on-1 speech therapy based on their IEP. Group therapy sessions are available based on child and therapist availability. 

There is a fee for this program. Medicaid and sliding fees are also available for those who meet income eligibility requirements.

Don’t let hard-earned progress slip away—keep your child’s momentum going strong. Limited spots available. Learn more about the program or register your child by calling Speech, Language, and Hearing Services at 703-246-7120 or TTY 711.

As part of National Nutrition Month, Fairfax County’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program recently hosted a special event to promote healthy eating and nutrition. Families who visited the Annandale District Office on March 18 had the opportunity to sample delicious, premade healthy foods and learn how to incorporate nutritious ingredients into their daily meals.

Health Department staff shared practical tips on affordable, nutritious meal preparation and the benefits of choosing fresh, nutrient-dense foods. By making nutrition education accessible and engaging, WIC continues to support families in making informed food choices that lead to healthier lifestyles.

“This year's National Nutrition Month theme, Food Connect, took us to our four district offices, where we had the opportunity to encourage more meatless meals, including the delicious Middle Eastern Bean Salad featured in the WIC Recipe Book,” said Magda Garcia Narvaez, public health nutritionist with the WIC program. “We also promoted the importance of sharing more meals together as a family by providing helpful tips and engaging facts on our bilingual bulletin boards. We are thrilled with the results, as both clients and staff actively participated, making the initiative a meaningful success.”

For more information on nutrition resources, WIC benefits, and upcoming events, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/health/women-infants-children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named Dr. Barbara Andrino one of its U.S. TB Elimination Champions for 2025. The U.S. TB Elimination Champions Project highlights individuals and organizations making significant contributions to ending tuberculosis (TB) in the United States. The announcement is part of the commemoration of World TB Day.

Dr. Andrino served as a dedicated TB physician at the Fairfax County Health Department for 13 years, working with thousands of TB patients before retiring in 2024. She was known for giving her full attention and energy to each individual, going above and beyond to ensure they had the best chance of successfully completing TB treatment.

“I was so surprised when I learned that I had actually been chosen,” said Dr. Andrino. “Because I sort of fell into the TB world by happenstance, when the previous person left and I was chosen to fill the role. But I am so proud to represent the hard work and dedication of the entire TB Program team. The award is really a validation of everyone’s commitment to serving the community.”

While she devoted extensive energy to tailoring treatment plans for each person with TB, Dr. Andrino also understood the broader public health implications associated with each case. She worked diligently with her team to ensure that household members were contacted for testing and treatment, prioritizing those at higher risk.

Given the diverse demographics of Northern Virginia, Dr. Andrino and her team worked to understand the cultural, social, and medical needs of each patient, taking a health equity approach with patients from a vast range of backgrounds. She consistently organized opportunities for colleagues to come together in support of TB patients and their families, whether sourcing winter clothing or helping a family prepare for a new baby. No need was too small or too large for her to address.

“Caring for patients with TB is challenging,” said Dr. Andrino. “But what I am most proud of, and what I have enjoyed most was helping those who were sick with TB get better.  To be with them along the journey from serious illness, to diagnosis, to treatment, and a return to a healthy and normal life was so very rewarding.”   

World TB Day is observed annually on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of tuberculosis and to intensify efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the bacterium that causes TB, paving the way for diagnosing and curing the disease.