RCAHD Health Updates Newsletter



04.02.25

Health updates for residents of the

Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)

Alleghany, Botetourt, Covington, Craig, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem

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Measles on the Rise in 2025: What You Need to Know

A resurgence of measles in recent months has lifted the disease into national headlines. Over 500 cases have now been reported in more than 20 states, most recently in Colorado, with a confirmed case on March 31. (The CDC dashboard is updated on Fridays.)

As of April 1, Virginia is not among the states with a confirmed case, but there have been several exposures in recent weeks from infected people passing through nearby airports and train stations.

Locally, RCAHD health department staff investigate any suspected cases of measles after they have been reported to us by healthcare providers.

Read more about measles on the VDH website

The Facts About Measles 6min (General public safety message, courtesy Stanford Medicine)

US Measles Cases by Year, as of Mar. 27 | Source: CDC

Public Health in the News: Federal Funding Update

Last week, health departments across the country were notified that $11.4 billion in federal grants related to COVID were rescinded, effective immediately. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, these funds were used to bolster the public health infrastructure. In RCAHD, the grants were recently supporting:

• Community health workers who supported public health clinics and outreach, focusing on neighborhoods with highest rates of disease 
• Supplemental nursing staff that allowed more residents to be served in our clinics 
• An expanded epidemiologic team to help monitor disease trends and data in our community

Despite this downscaling of funds, RCAHD staff remain committed to safeguarding resident health with the resources we have. As new challenges arise, we will pivot to the best of our ability to respond to the health needs of our neighborhoods and communities. We don’t yet know the full impact of these and other proposed cuts, but we will continue to keep residents informed as we navigate the changing landscape.

April is STI Awareness Month

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) data are collected to inform efforts to reduce transmission and improve sexual and reproductive health for residents. The primary goal is to prevent and treat infections before they develop into disease. Left untreated, they may cause serious long-term health consequences including infertility and vision loss. Although the rates of STIs remain a concern in our community, RCAHD is encouraged to see an overall decrease in local cases of reportable STIs in 2024.

Learn more about RCAHD STI Testing and Services - we offer confidential sliding scale services (even for teens), and accept most insurances.

Note: The Alleghany Health District includes the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, and Roanoke and the cities of Covington and Salem. The Roanoke Health District includes only the City of Roanoke.

New Cases of STIs By RCAHD Health District, 2022-2024 (This table will soon be published in our 2024 RCAHD Annual Report.)

As of Mar. 29, respiratory illness activity across Virginia is mostly low and trending down.

Visit the VDH Respiratory Disease website for tips, FAQs and the latest statewide data.

As of Mar 29., VDH reports that a total of 32.1% Virginians received the 2024-25 influenza vaccine and 13.5% of Virginians received the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 29.8% Virginians 75 and older have received the RSV vaccine.

Kids in Parks: BoCo Cherry Blossom Trail

Calling all explorers! Botetourt County is home to the Kids in Parks Cherry Blossom Track Trail! Now is a perfect time to hit the trail and to experience the beauty of these springtime blossoms in peak glory.

What?: The Cherry Blossom Trail is a 1.7-mile one-way stroll where visitors can take in the beauty of the area. Use the kiosk filled with guides for junior explorers to hit the trail, and look for insects, birds and plants while you start earning your virtual badges!

Where?: International Parkway | Daleville, VA 24083 (Photo courtesy Kids in Parks.com)

National Public Health Week

April 7-11

Public health programs are all about prevention. Public health staff protect and promote the health of our communities. 

Right: RCAHD staff pictured at the 2024 Staff Development Day

We're Hiring!

Do you have a passion to help improve our local communities by helping residents improve their overall health and well-being?

Visit the RCAHD Employment Page to see a list of our current openings and how to apply. Recent positions include:

Office Services Supervisor Sr. Salem – Full Time (Salaried) – Open until April 11

Upcoming REVIVE! Classes: 

REVIVE! provides FREE training to the public on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency using 6 easy steps.

Upcoming In-Person Trainings:

• April 15, 5:30-7pm
• May 20, 5:30-7pm

Register here!

Virtual Classes:

• April 15, 12-1:30pm
• May 20, 12-1:30pm

Register here!

RCAHD Rabies Alerts

Two cases of rabies in wildlife (skunks) were recently reported in Botetourt County.

• 3/21/25 Knollwood Dr area
• 3/31/25 Catawba Rd area

As the weather warms up and people and pets are outdoors more, remember to stay away from animals you do not know and make certain your pets are up-to-date on their shots!