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

Confirmed Measles Case With Exposures in Fairfax County (Unrelated To Previous Case)

February 17, 2026

Health Advisory

Summary

A new confirmed measles case has been identified in Northern Virginia. This case is unrelated to the prior cases and exposures from earlier this year.Please see the ...
Confirmed Measles Case With Exposures in Fairfax County (Unrelated To Previous Case)

Confirmed Measles Case With Exposures in Fairfax County (Unrelated To Previous Case)

February 6, 2026

Health Advisory

Summary

A new confirmed measles case has been identified in Northern Virginia. This case is unrelated to the prior cases and exposures from earlier this year.Please see the press release from the…
Confirmed Measles Case With Exposures in Fairfax County (Unrelated To Previous Case)

Confirmed Measles Case With Exposures in the Northern Virginia, Including Fairfax County (Unrelated to Previous Case)

January 21, 2026

Health Advisory

Summary

A new confirmed measles case associated with international travel has been identified in Northern Virginia. This case is unrelated to the Northern Virginia measles case from early January.The Fairfax County Health Department is conducting a contact investigation, informing residents of Fairfax County who have been exposed and providing prophylaxis when…
Confirmed Measles Case With Exposures in the Northern Virginia, Including Fairfax County (Unrelated to Previous Case)

Confirmed Measles Case With Exposures in the National Capital Region, Including Fairfax County

January 13, 2026

Health Advisory

Summary:

A confirmed measles case has been identified in Northern Virginia associated with international travel. The 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 exposed in the County. As...
Confirmed Measles Case With Exposures in the National Capital Region, Including Fairfax County

Updated Exclusion Guidance for Healthcare Personnel with COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza

October 10, 2025

Health Advisory

Summary

The Virginia Department of Health issued updated recommendations for exclusion of healthcare personnel (HCP) who test positive or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or influenza. HCP are those who provide direct healthcare services or who work in a location where healthcare is provided, including both…
Updated Exclusion Guidance for Healthcare Personnel with COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza

Alpha-gal Syndrome Now Reportable in Virginia

September 30, 2025

Health Advisory

Summary

As of September 24th, 2025, cases of alpha-gal syndrome (also known as the “red meat allergy”) are reportable in Virginia. Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy to alpha-gal that occurs after a tick bite. Alpha-gal is a molecule found in most mammals, but not in people. People with AGS can experience an…
Alpha-gal Syndrome Now Reportable in Virginia

First West Nile Positive Mosquito Pool Reported in Fairfax Health District in 2025

June 9, 2025

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 2025; the mosquitoes were collected on May 21 in the Fair Lakes area. No additional positive pools have been reported. This timing is consistent with data collected since 2004, where the first…
First West Nile Positive Mosquito Pool Reported in Fairfax Health District in 2025

Increased Measles Activity Across the US

March 6, 2025

Health Advisory

Summary

Since late-January 2025, a total of 159 measles cases have been reported as part of an ongoing outbreak in the South Plains region of west Texas. Twenty-two patients have been hospitalized and one child died. CDC also reports measles cases in 2025 occurring in Alaska,…
Increased Measles Activity Across the US

Avian Influenza Update

February 4, 2025

Health Advisory

Summary

Avian influenza A (H5) has recently been detected in Virginia in wild birds, commercial poultry, and in birds housed in a zoo collection. Detections also have occurred in bordering states. These detections are not unexpected as avian influenza A(H5) virus is currently widely circulating in the United States. The risk from avian influenza viruses…
Avian Influenza Update

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

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 effectiveness…
COVID-19 Booster Dose Update

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 are a large…

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update
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