Health Department

There is a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections that includes Virginia and Maryland. The outbreak is associated with meats sliced at deli counters. Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food. Due to possible Listeria contamination, Boar's Head Provisions Co. has recalled ready-to-eat liverwurst and other deli meat products, including prepackaged meats, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. Products have “sell by” dates ranging from July 25, 2024 – October 17, 2024. See this recall notice for details about all recalled products. Listeria are bacteria that can contaminate many foods. People who eat those foods can get infected with Listeria. The infection is called listeriosis. You are at higher risk for getting very sick if you are: Pregnant. A Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature delivery. It can also cause serious illness or death in newborns. Aged 65 or older or have weakened immune system. Listeria in these groups most often causes bloodstream infection or meningitis, an infection of the lining of the spinal cord. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill. The CDC recommends the following actions. Do not eat recalled meats. Throw them away or contact stores about returns. If you are at higher risk for listeriosis, do not eat any other deli meat you get sliced at deli counters, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. You can also choose safer foods to eat instead of deli meat. Check your refrigerator for any recalled deli meats and throw them away or return them to the store. Clean your refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched recalled meats. If you’ve eaten a food that’s been recalled or are at high risk for severe illness, watch for symptoms of a Listeria infection and call your doctor if you develop these symptoms. People who are not pregnant usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. They may also get a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures. Pregnant people usually have fever, muscle aches, and tiredness. Anyone who has a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or sensitivity to light should seek emergency care immediately. These signs and symptoms can indicate bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening complication of a Listeria infection. Additional information Visit the CDC outbreak website for the most up to date information. See a full product list and product labels. See what the Virginia Department of Health is doing. Learn more about Listeria from the CDC and from the FDA. Visit our web page and follow us on social media for updates on this and other food safety topics.

Algae are naturally occurring microscopic organisms that can be found in coastal and fresh waters. They can quickly grow out of control, or "bloom." Most algae are not harmful, but some of these blooms produce toxins (poisons) that make people and animals sick. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening depending on the type of algae you come in contact with. Harmful algal blooms can look like mats, foam, scum, or paint on the surface of the water. They can also grow underneath the water making them hard to see. The most common cause of harmful algal blooms in freshwater is due to Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Although harmful algal blooms and mats have not been identified in the Fairfax Health District, they have been reported in other areas of Virginia and nearby jurisdictions. We encourage you to be aware of the water you enter. Protect yourself, your family, and your pets from harmful algae. Do not swim or touch water that is discolored, murky, smelly, or has a film on the surface. Remember, when in doubt, stay out! If you think you’ve seen or been in contact with a harmful algal bloom: Quickly rinse off with plenty of fresh, clean water. Report an algal bloom or a fish kill using the VDH Harmful Algal Bloom Online Report Form so it can be investigated. If you think you have symptoms caused by a harmful algal bloom, contact a doctor or the Poison Control hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Report health effects contact the HAB Hotline: 1-888-238-6154. Contact a veterinarian immediately if your pets seem sick after going in or near water. Animals can get very sick or even die within hours of coming into contact with harmful algae or cyanobacteria. Learn more about protecting animals. Additional Resources Learn more about harmful algae from VDH and from CDC. Learn more about Healthy Swimming and Recreational Water Safety and see our Swimming in Natural Waters Advisory. Visit our web page and follow us on social media for updates on this and other health topics.

With the start of the 2024-25 school year right around the corner, it’s time to make sure that your child is up to date on their immunizations. Before scheduling an appointment to get your child vaccinated, check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. There are multiple options for obtaining your child’s immunization records: Request immunization records for free through the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS). If your child was immunized outside Virginia, get records from those states’ systems. Request records from your healthcare provider. Some may charge for copies. If your child is missing immunizations, take steps to get them up to date. Contact your doctor. Many primary care doctors require an appointment, don't delay, schedule it today. This is also a good time to get caught-up on routine medical care. This includes physicals, dental appointments, vision and hearing & screenings, and more. If you do not have a doctor, visit a Health Department clinic. Health Department clinics offer immunizations to all Fairfax County students as well those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations, need a booster, and to people who are new to country. Find a community clinic. Inova Cares Clinic for Families provides childhood immunizations for patients who qualify for Medicaid, FAMIS, Inova’s Financial Assistance Program, or are uninsured. HealthWorks for Northern Virginia and Neighborhood Health also provide healthcare, including vaccinations, for children, families, and individuals, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Extended Hours Immunization Clinics Back to school season is a busy time, which is why the Health Department is holding several immunization clinics on evenings and weekends during the month of August. These clinics will offer school required immunizations at no cost to all Fairfax County students regardless of if they have had vaccines in the past, are new to the country, or need a follow-up to be up to date. Call today! Appointments are limited and required. Schedule your appointment by calling 703-246-7100. See the full extended hours clinics schedule. By getting your child up to date on their immunizations, you have the power to protect them from serious illness and prevent them from missing school and other activities because they are sick. Don’t wait. Check your child’s immunizations records today and make an appointment to get them caught-up if needed. Additional Resources Learn more about childhood and school required immunizations. Review Fairfax County Public Schools’ general registration immunizations page for details about FCPS requirements. Visit our web page and follow us on social media for updates on immunizations and other health topics.