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RCAHD Health Updates Newsletter
06.04.25
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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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Residents can learn more about public health in our communities in the 2024 RCAHD Annual Report, with details about programs, services, achievements, and financial information. The report highlights efforts to improve public health across the districts, which include Roanoke City and the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, and Roanoke, as well as Salem and Covington.
The report offers data and greater details about items such as:
- services to support pregnancy and birth outcomes
- types of clinic services offered to improve community health
- exercises for emergency preparedness
- details about inspections and permits of food service establishments
- efforts to address substance use disorder
- and more!
RCAHD 2024 Annual Report
RCAHD Annual Reports (since 2021)
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Air Quality Update
Smoke from western wildfires has arrived in the area and has pushed air quality in Southwestern Virginia to moderate levels. Some people who may be sensitive to particle pollution should consider making outdoor activities less intense. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier.
Visit airnow.gov to check the air quality near you.
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Respiratory Illness Update
VDH's respiratory illness surveillance tracks the number of emergency department visits for viral illnesses such as covid, flu, and RSV and other respiratory illnesses such as cough and pneumonia.
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According to VDH, respiratory illness activity in Southwestern Virginia remains at low levels as of 6.2.25.
As of June 3, VDH reports that a total of 32% Virginians received the 2024-2025 influenza vaccine and 13% of Virginians received a 2024-2025 covid-19 vaccine.
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Measles Cases Continue to Rise
A resurgence of measles in recent months continues to keep the disease in national headlines. Over 1000 cases have now been reported in more than 30 states. (The CDC dashboard is updated on Fridays.)
What is measles?
Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, and potentially severe rash illness. Measles is often spread during high travel or in situations where unvaccinated persons are in close quarters (like camps or conventions). Prevent measles with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, especially if planning to travel.
On May 23, VDH reported Virginia’s second measles case of the year. The patient is a teenager (13-17 years) residing in the northwestern region who recently traveled internationally. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed. Read more.
| | US Measles Cases by Year, as of May 29 | Source: CDC | | |
Grill Like a Pro
As grilling season is getting into full swing, so is the risk for foodborne illness. Campylobacter is a common type of bacteria can cause illness from contaminated food and water. Most people will recover within a few days, but if you feel seriously ill, see your healthcare provider sooner.
WHAT TO KNOW
You can help protect yourself and others from campylobacteriosis or other foodborne infections:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Be careful when preparing raw meat, poultry, and seafood and cook food to safe temperatures.
- Throw away cracked eggs.
- Drink treated water and pasteurized milk.
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Questions about meat, poultry or egg preparation?
Talk to a
USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline food safety expert at:
888-MPHotline (888-674-6854)
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On the hunt for a new swimsuit?
When shopping for swimsuits, consider neon colors: vibrant yellows, oranges and greens are typically the most visible in different bodies of water.
Bathing suits and rash guards in white, black, blue, and gray tend to be less visible once submerged.
Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They should be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow, and changing weather.
Prevent drownings with water safety toolkits from: National Drowning Prevention Alliance
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Tips for Safe Swimming
Help kids learn these 5 water survival skills so that they are able to:
- step or jump into water over their heads and return to the surface;
- float or tread water for one minute;
- turn around in a full circle and find an exit;
- swim 25 yards to exit the water;
- exit the water without using a ladder.
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Family Nutrition: Splendid Strawberries and Spinach
Looking for a way to load up on fruits and veggies? Especially as more Virginia produce comes into season (strawberries, spinach, kale), consider putting them in a refreshing salad! Quick to make, salads can be customized to suit individual preferences, and are an easy way to get a variety of plant nutrients into your diet.
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June is National Pet Preparedness Month!
Having a plan in place for you and your pets when the unthinkable happens likely means less difficulty, stress, and worry when making decisions during an emergency. Be sure to include a game plan for your critters in your emergency preparations.
Looking for ideas on what to include in an emergency kit for pets?
Visit www.ready.gov/pets for more information!
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In 2024, RCAHD Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers held a workshop to practice procedures to establish a co-located pet shelter during an emergency evacuation.
To help minimize residents' fears for their pets during a time of need, the newly created MRC "Community Animal Shelter Team" completed training with community partners, including Roanoke City Emergency Services and the American Red Cross, to establish best practices to create a pet shelter co-located with a human shelter during an emergency.
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Alleghany River & Trail Day June 7
Enjoy free family activities outdoors at the Alleghany County River & Trail Day, at Intervale Park in Covington. Activities include a water slide, bike demos, and a free yoga/ chair yoga class by the river at 11am.
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