Health Department

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. Date Location Thursday, May 8 Annandale Farmers Market Wednesday, May 21 Mount Vernon Farmers Market Thursday, June 12 Annandale Farmers Market  Wednesday, June 18 Mount Vernon Farmers Market  Thursday, July 3 Annandale Farmers Market  Wednesday, July 16 Mount Vernon Farmers Market  Thursday, August 14 Annandale Farmers Market  Wednesday, August 20 Mount Vernon Farmers Market  Thursday, September 4 Annandale Farmers Market  Wednesday, September 17 Mount Vernon Farmers Market  Thursday, October 2 Annandale Farmers Market  Wednesday, October 15 Mount Vernon Farmers Market    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.