Updates from the Health Department
January 8, 2025
Winter weather and extreme cold temperatures have arrived in Fairfax County this week, and it’s important to take precautions to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. Ensure your snow days stay fun by taking protective actions --- staying informed, limiting your exposure, and avoiding situations that increase your risk of injury.
1. Stay Informed
Weather conditions can change rapidly during the winter. Sign up for Fairfax Alerts to stay informed about road closures, severe weather warnings, and evacuation orders. Familiarize yourself with the county’s emergency resources, including shelters and warming centers.
Fairfax County’s snow guide, available here, contains the latest county guidance on snow situations.
Fairfax County’s emergency blog contains the latest information from the county on emergency preparedness and response efforts, including guidance for residents.
2. Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms have the potential to cause power outages, which can disrupt heating, lighting, and refrigeration. When using generators and fireplaces, ensure they are properly ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Always keep a carbon monoxide detector with fresh batteries in your home.
Stock up on flashlights and extra batteries and avoid using candles as they pose a fire hazard. Keep a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer to monitor food safety. If the power goes out, food is safe as long as the fridge stays below 40°F. Use coolers with ice to preserve perishable items if necessary and keep an eye on any temperature-sensitive medications you may have. Learn more about food safety and power outages here.
3. Limit Your Exposure
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia or frostbite, which are both serious conditions. Dress in layers, including thermal undergarments, sweaters, and waterproof outerwear. Cover your head, hands, and feet with gloves, hats, and thick socks. Limit outdoor exposure as much as possible, especially for young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
4. Plan for Medical Needs, including Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
If you or a family member relies on medical equipment requiring electricity, contact your utility company to register for priority restoration and have a backup power source. Refill prescriptions before severe weather arrives to ensure you don’t run out. Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including your healthcare provider and local emergency services.
For Durable Medical Equipment (DME) users: Ensure you have extra batteries or a manual backup for your equipment. Contact your DME provider to discuss emergency options and verify that your equipment is functioning properly before a storm hits. Keep a list of nearby suppliers or repair services so that you’re ready if needed.
5. Prevent Injuries
Wear footwear with good traction when outside and keep walkways clear. Shoveling snow can strain the heart from overexertion. Take frequent breaks, lift with your legs (not your back), and avoid overexertion.
6. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors
Community support is vital during winter emergencies. Check on older adults, people with disabilities, and those living alone. Offer assistance with grocery shopping, snow removal, or other tasks.
January 8, 2025
During its annual meeting in December 2024, the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax elected a new co-chair, welcomed new members to the steering committee, and said good-bye to two dedicated staff members who are retiring. Members also received an update on the progress of compiling the Health Department’s 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
First formed in 2010, the Partnership is a coalition of community members and organizations that are working together to explore new approaches for addressing critical public health issues. This is a widely diverse group of individuals, community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, businesses, faith communities and government agencies.
During the meeting, India Richards was elected to serve a three-year term as co-chair of the Partnership, sharing leadership duties with Deron Campbell, who continues his first term as co-chair. Ms. Richards has dedicated her career to advancing community health through leadership, strategic planning, and collaborative efforts. She is currently a project manager at Health Care Dynamics International, where she leads a team overseeing the development and execution of healthcare programs. Ms. Richards will take over duties from Ondrea McIntyre-Hall, whose term has now ended.
New members of the Partnership’s steering committee were introduced to attendees. Attorney Kristi Guillory, Manisha Maskay, and George Mason University professor Xiaoquan Zhao will begin their terms of service this month.
Diane Charles, Manager of the Fairfax Food Council and Susan Sanow, Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax Program Manager, were recognized for their commitment to the vision of healthier communities and the mission of the Partnership and the Partnership Teams. Both are now retired from Fairfax County. Carrie Cannon, MPA, Health Promotion Coordinator for the Health Department, has been named as Interim Program Manager until a new manger is hired.
Meeting attendees also heard a progress report on the creation of the next Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Sarah White, Strategic Partnerships Manager in the Health Department’s Division of Community Health Development, described the process of collecting input on various public health issues from individuals and organizations in Fairfax County and the Cities of Falls Church and Fairfax. They gathered important feedback that will be of critical importance and serve as a basis for determining the priority health issues the CHIP will address. White shared that work groups are forming now to create action steps that can be taken to address the identified issues, with a particular focus on communities that experience the greatest health disparities.
Learn more about the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax, and what you can do to get involved by visiting the Live Healthy Fairfax webpage.
January 2, 2025
Key Points:
Norovirus is a virus that spreads very easily and quickly and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain.
People of all ages can get norovirus.
You can help prevent infections by washing your hands, practicing food safety, and taking steps to avoid spreading it to others if you do get sick.
Norovirus (sometimes called stomach flu or stomach bug) is a virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Norovirus spreads very easily and very quickly. People of all ages can get sick from norovirus.
Like other gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) illnesses, norovirus spreads throughout the year, but is most common from November to April. Each year, 19-21 million people get sick and there are about 2,500 reported outbreaks in the United States.
How It Spreads
You can get norovirus by:
Having direct contact with someone who has norovirus.
Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus.
Touching contaminated surfaces and objects and then touching your mouth without washing your hands.
See examples of how norovirus can spread.
Most people with norovirus illness get better in 1 to 3 days. There is no specific medicine that can treat norovirus, but it is important to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can lead to serious problems. If you, or someone you are caring for, becomes severely dehydrated, contact a healthcare provider.
Prevent Norovirus
Norovirus is very contagious, but there are ways you can prevent it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus. It is especially important wash at key times: after using the toilet or changing diapers, before and after eating, and before and after caring for someone who is sick.
Practice food safety steps to help prevent norovirus. Keep up the healthy habits in your kitchen:
Wash your hands before, during, and after preparing food.
Rinse fruits and vegetables well.
Keep your kitchen utensils and surfaces clean.
Cook oysters and other shellfish to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
Steps to Take if You Get Norovirus
If you get sick with norovirus, stay hydrated and take steps to stop it from spreading to others.
Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration and potentially serious health problems. If you, or someone you are caring for, becomes dehydrated, contact a healthcare provider.
Stay home and away from others while you are sick and for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop. You should also avoid preparing food for others - at home and at work - while you are sick and for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.
Immediately clean and disinfect the entire area around where someone vomits or has diarrhea. You should also wash any clothing or linens that get vomit or poop on them right away. See how to clean and disinfect.
Learn more about norovirus from the CDC. Learn more about keeping your hands clean, food safety, and other important health topics by visiting our website and following us on social media.
December 17, 2024
Applications are now open for the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program's Spring 2025 cohort.
The Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) trains 10th through 12th grade high school students across Fairfax County about methods to reduce opioid use, teen mental health issues, and becoming a Community Health Worker. PHYAP provides certifications from two nationally-know public health institutions (Morehouse College and George Mason University) in each of those areas during its Fall and Spring cohorts.
Since PHYAP’s inception, the program is proud to have partnered with three outstanding Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), where our Community Health Worker curriculum is offered during day sessions: John R. Lewis High School, Justice High School, and Mount Vernon High School. Students who qualify can take part in lessons and hands-on activities led by trained PHYAP facilitators three days a week during their advisory period.
For high-school aged students who do not attend Lewis, Mount Vernon, or Justice but wish to become a Youth Ambassador, program sessions are offered outside of regular class hours at the Fairfax County Government Center. Evening classes are held Monday through Thursday each week, while our weekend class is held each Saturday morning. Whether a student attends private school, a faith-based school, is homeschooled, or goes to a non-partner Fairfax County Public School, they have the chance to jumpstart their secondary school and career engagement in the expanding community health field.
Applications for the program are now available. Application deadline is 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21st.
Learn more about the Public Health Youth Ambassador Program.
Wash Your Hands Often
Mosquito & Tick Bite Prevention
Health Dept. Strategic Plan
Parents: Get your child's immunizations up-to-date!
Don’t wait, get caught up on well check-ups and recommended childhood immunizations now!
Ensuring children are up-to-date on their vaccinations helps provide immunity before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are safe and effective.
And remember, vaccination it important at all ages. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers, make sure you are up to date, too!