Latest news with #VirginiaDepartmentofHealth
Axios
21-07-2025
- Health
- Axios
E. coli spikes at Richmond river spots
Half of the eight Richmond river stations the James River Association monitors were showing elevated levels of E. coli as of Friday. Why it matters: If you're planning to take a dip in the James during this rare dry and sunny week, you may want to wait — and then double-check river conditions before you go. State of play: The James River Association collects river samples weekly in Richmond in summer and updates their map every Friday, the nonprofit's riverkeeper Tom Dunlap tells Axios. Their latest batch of data shows high to extremely high levels of E. coli in the James from around Belle Isle through Rocketts Landing and Osborne Landing. The stats from the previous week showed elevated E. coli readings at all of their Richmond stations. The big picture: The recent rain and Richmond's 19th-century sewer system are to blame. The city's sewer system combines stormwater with sewage, and filters it through Richmond's wastewater treatment plant. But when it rains heavily — as it seems to have every other day this month — the treatment plant can become overwhelmed and the excess gets dumped into the James. What comes out is 90% stormwater and around 10% wastewater, which includes whatever was flushed down your toilet. Reality check: Due to wildlife near the river, some amount of E. coli is always in the James, Dunlap says. Zoom in: According to a review of the city's combined sewer overflow monitors, 11 of its 25 "outfall" stations had at least one overflow last week, some as recently as Sunday. Those overflows can push water quality levels beyond what the Virginia Department of Health considers safe for swimming. That's why Virginia health officials "advise the public to avoid swimming in natural waterways for three days following rain events," a VDH spokesperson tells Axios. By the numbers: 235 (CFU/100mL) or below is the magic number for E. coli readings, Dunlap says. It's also what all the monitoring stations from Reedy Creek east to Huguenot Flatwater were showing, as of Friday. At the latest reading, the rest of the monitored spots showed: Belle Isle and the Rope Swing at Tredegar: 270 14th Street: 328 Chapel Island: 501 Rocketts Landing: 2,420 Which means: Swimming is OK from Huguenot Flatwater to Reedy Creek, as of the last reading. But Richmonders shouldn't be swimming at the rest, Dunlap says. Though, it's likely OK for kayaking or canoeing or recreation where one isn't submerged in the water. What we're watching: The rain over the weekend means those numbers will likely change and could make more parts of the river unsafe for swimming, Dunlap says. Pro tip: Dunlap's organization only has funding to do weekly monitoring for now, but he recommends checking the city's combined sewer overflow monitors.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Virginia Health officials investigating potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia
The Virginia Department of Health was notified of a confirmed case of measles at Washington Dulles International Airport and the Washington Area Metro on June 8, according to a press release. The confirmed case is an international traveler visiting the Washington, D.C. area. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific flights. Dulles International Airport (IAD) on June 8: Concourse A, on transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB), and in the baggage claim area between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Washington Area Metro on June 8: Silver Line Train from Dulles International Airport station transferring at the Metro Center Station to the Red Line Train heading towards Shady Grove Station between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. To date in 2025, Virginia has three reported cases of measles. For the latest information on measles cases and exposures in Virginia, visit the VDH Measles website. More: Play All Day VA, Relay for Shea House, Memory Cafes and safe swimming tips: THE DIGEST 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 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 who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Non-immune individuals may qualify for post-exposure treatments. People who might have been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to coordinate administration of post-exposure prophylaxis. 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 roomto 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 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. More: Waynesboro doctors convicted in theft of mink coat from country club 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@ or contact your local health department. For more information about measles, visit This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Virginia Health officials investigating potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Sport Science' star John Brenkus' cause of death confirmed as suicide by medical examiner
John Brenkus, the creator and host of the Emmy Award-winning show Sport Science, died by suicide, the Virginia Department of Health's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to TMZ Sports. The news of Brenkus' demise at age 54 was shared by his family on Sunday. In their note, the family revealed that the star had been privately battling depression. 'John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025,' the family wrote in a heartfelt statement posted on X. The entire statement reads, "It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus has passed away. John, co-founder of BASE Productions, founder of and co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy Award-winning Sport Science, had been battling depression. John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025. His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time, and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help. " Brenkus rose to fame in the early 2000s with Sport Science, a series that merged science and athleticism to break down the performance mechanics of elite athletes. The show gained a global fan following after being picked up by ESPN. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Born 1940-1975 With No Life Insurance Could Be Eligible For This Reassured Get Quote Undo Tributes poured in across social media from colleagues and fans alike. NFL insider Adam Schefter and former NFL star Marcellus Wiley were among those who shared their memories and condolences online, remembering Brenkus for his groundbreaking work and warm personality. His death has sent shockwaves through both the sports and broadcasting communities, with many expressing sorrow and underscoring the importance of mental health awareness. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Greenbrier Farms closing to public, will still host trio of seasonal offerings
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Greenbrier Farms announced it will immediately close to the public outside of its traditional Christmas, strawberry and pumpkin seasons due to what it says is 'increasing operational restrictions and pressure from the city of Chesapeake permitting and zoning, as well as the Chesapeake Health Department.' The city, however, said in a statement that its efforts to help the farm had been 'rebuffed.' In a Facebook post, said it remained committed to the three seasonal events, but nothing else. 'While we remain committed to offering our Christmas tree lot in the winter, strawberry U-pick season in the spring and pumpkin patch in the fall,' Greenbrier Farms said, 'we are no longer permitted to open under our business model for additional public activities, events or general visits outside of these designated times.' It said its strawberry picking season had come to an end for the current season. It said it would no longer open to the public for visits to the playground, barnyard animals, walking the grounds or enjoying scenery. 'These everyday experiences have been part of what makes Greenbrier Farms special, and we understand how meaningful they've been to so many,' the farm said. 'We share in your disappointment and thank you for the many memories made here over the years.' The city of Chesapeake said in a statement Thursday afternoon that it has not shut down the farm and has taken no action to do so. Earlier today, Historic Greenbrier Farms announced via social media that they intend to close portions of their operations. In the announcement, the owners expressed that the City's zoning and permitting requirements, along with certain Virginia Department of Health requirements, are the cause for this closure. Several years ago, the City changed the zoning ordinance to permit operations such as Greenbrier Farms. Prior to that zoning ordinance change, the use was not permitted and the City received numerous complaints from the community. The City's goal was to find a way to permit the operation while addressing community concerns. Since that time, the City has reached out on multiple occasions to the owner to offer assistance and support in obtaining a permit. All of these efforts have been rebuffed. Additionally, the City has attempted to broker a resolution between the owner and the Virginia Department of Health, but the owner has not been open to those efforts. The City has not shut down Greenbrier Farms, has taken no action to shut down Greenbrier Farms, and remains committed to assisting the owner with getting approval from the Virginia Department of Health. — city of Chesapeake statement on Greenbrier Farms announcement You may recall Greenbrier Farms played host to a rally for now-President Donald Trump last June. Previously: Trump supporters line up as early as 15 hours ahead of rally in Chesapeake Greenbrier Farms also said that while it will welcome people back to the farm for its pumpkin patch in the fall, it would no longer host The Haunting at the farm. Also, during its Christmas season, it will no longer offer its previous Christmas activities, though it said it would still sell Christmas trees and provide free photos with Santa while people buy a tree. 'We want to thank our community for your unwavering support, cherished memories and generations of patronage,' Greenbrier Farms said. 'This farm has always been about people as much as it's been about produce — and though these changes are not what we hoped for, we look forward to remaining part of your seasonal traditions.' On its website, the 500-acre highlights its 'family-friendly Chesapeake destination that has been around since 1916,' and noted it is a 'fully operating nursery that also offers pick-your-own tulips, strawberries, peaches, sunflowers, wildflowers, vegetables, herbs, pumpkins and cut-your-own Christmas trees.' It also touts itself as a premier wedding destination in southeastern Virginia, and hosted private and corporate events, along with birthday parties. Along with that, it has hosted a farmer's market as well as pick your own tulips, strawberries, peaches, sunflowers, wildflowers, vegetables, pumpkins and Christmas trees. It has also hosted numerous farm events — among them, its Summer Bash, Belles & Blooms, Boots & Belles, Opening Day, Kegs & Eggs, an Easter egg hunt, Derby Day, a fall festival, The Haunting, the Oyster & South Festival, Santa's Workshop, Breakfast with Santa and Crepe Myrtle Days. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Second measles case reported in Virginia this year
VIRGINIA () — Health officials said a measles case was reported in Virginia last week, making it the second case in the Commonwealth this year. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) said the person is a teenager between 13 and 17 years old and recently traveled internationally. They currently live in the , which includes Culpeper County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Manassas and other cities in the Northern Virginia region, as well as the westernmost portions of the state. VDH said the teenager was at the following sites, potentially exposing others: Charlottesville Albemarle Airport on Tuesday, May 20, between 2:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Play it Again Sports, located at 1885 Seminole Trail in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 2:40 p.m. to 5 p.m. Goodwill Store and Donation Center, located at 440 Gander Drive in Charlottesville on Tuesday, May 20 from 3:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. UVA Health Primary Care Riverside, located at 2335 Seminole Lane, Suite 200 in Charlottesville on Thursday, May 22 from 2 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. UVA Health University Medical Center Emergency Department, located at 1215 Lee St. in Charlottesville on Friday, May 23 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. This is the second case of measles reported in Virginia in 2025. The , when a young child aged 0-4 years old contracted the disease. Virginia health officials release more information on areas exposed to child with measles If you were at the above-listed locations on the day and times specified, VDH encourages the following: 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 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. Non-immune individuals may qualify for post-exposure treatments. People who might have been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or local health department immediately to coordinate administration of post-exposure prophylaxis. 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 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. For more information about measles, click . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
