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The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced the first confirmed case of monkeypox in the Northwest (NW) Region of the state on Tuesday, July 11, 2022. The Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) falls within the NW region. We encourage community members to visit the VDH monkeypox website to learn about this virus – how it can be prevented, how it spreads, what symptoms to look out for, pre-exposure and post-exposure vaccinations, and more. People can also call the VDH state hotline at 877-829-4682 for information about monkeypox.
At this time, widespread vaccination against monkeypox is not recommended. Instead, the vaccines are recommended only for individuals at high risk of exposure. VDH is working to expand vaccine access for Virginians who are at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox. Information about who will be eligible and how they get vaccinated will be provided when it becomes available.
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Harmful Algae Blooms at Lake Anna | |
The North Anna and Upper Pamunkey Branches, including Terry’s Run, of Lake Anna in Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania counties are experiencing a harmful algae bloom (HAB). The public is advised to avoid contact with specific areas of the lake (listed below) until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels. Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The sections of Lake Anna that are under advisories can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom map that is routinely updated. The current lake areas to avoid include include:
Pamunkey Branch – Upper (including Terry’s Run) and Middle
- Upper – From the upper inundated waters of the Pamunkey to the confluence with Terry’s Run
- Terrys Run – from the upper inundated waters of Terry’s Run to the confluence with the Pamunkey Branch
- Middle – From the confluence of Terry’s Run with Pamunkey Branch to Rt. 612 (Stubbs Bridge)
North Anna Branch – Upper and Middle
- Upper – From the upper inundated waters to the Rt. 522 Bridge.
- Middle – From the Rt. 522 Bridge, to include Rt. 719 (Holladay Bridge), to Lumsden Flats at Rose Valley Dr.
A status report containing the updated advisory areas may be viewed at Lake Anna HAB Status Report 7.15.22. Learn more about these swim advisories and VDH’s response in this VDH press release sent earlier today.
To learn more about harmful algae blooms, safe swimming tips, and/or to report a HAB or scum sighting, visit the Swim Healthy Virginia website.
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Reminders about Cases and Variants
It is important to remember that COVID-19 continues to spread in BRHD and beyond. In the District, we are seeing a significant number of cases attributed to both the Omicron and BA.4/5 variants, which are more easily transmissible. We encourage everyone in the community to continue to evaluate their personal risks and practice the appropriate risk reduction strategies to stay as safe and healthy as possible.
Vaccines continue to be our best defense against infections that lead to severe symptoms, hospitalization, and death. Continue reading for COVID-19 vaccine resources in BRHD. To learn more about the transmission rates of COVID-19 in your locality, visit the CDC website.
Vaccination Drive-Thru Options
It’s easier than ever to get your COVID vaccine booster - and just as simple to get babies 6mo-4 years and 5-11 year olds their primary series! In fact, we have two drive-thru clinics for babies and children coming up next week:
You can also find booster dose opportunities in your neighborhood (check out our Mobi schedule down below) and each week at your local health department. Our COVID-19 vaccine clinic events are listed on our website. See you soon!
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Testing Resources
Free COVID-19 testing resources remain available throughout the District. For those seeking testing, the following options are available:
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UVA Health continues to offer free COVID-19 testing on Mondays at Church of the Incarnation (1465 Incarnation Dr., Charlottesville, VA) from 6:00-7:30pm and on Tuesdays at Mount Zion First African Baptist Church (105 Lankford Ave. Charlottesville, VA) from 5:30-7:00pm.
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NEXT Molecular Lab offers free testing at Fashion Square Mall on Wednesdays and Fridays in July from 3:30-6:30 pm (with the exception of Friday, July 29). The August schedule will be posted soon.
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In-home COVID-19 test kits are available at area pharmacies, as well as through a Federal distribution program. Each order now contains 8 test kits and can be ordered here at no cost.
We encourage everyone to utilize these testing resources as the need arises. For more information on testing, visit the BRHD testing webpage.
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New Maternal Mental Health Hotline | |
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Under a lot of stress with a new baby at home? Not sure if it’s just the “baby blues” or really something more? There’s someone new you can talk to!
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently launched their new National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (NMMHH). The hotline provides voice and text support 24/7, 365 days a year, in English and Spanish. Hotline operators are licensed and/or certified maternal and child health professionals capable of discussing mental health before, during and after pregnancy. This resource is available not just for expectant or new parents, but other close family members who may be impacted by the arrival of a new infant.
Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-943-5746. To learn more, visit the NMMHH website.
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Tobacco Free Tuesday - Asthma, Athletes, & Vaping | |
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Want to learn more about the effects of vaping and why tobacco use has skyrocketed among teens? Join us from 10:00-11:00am on Tuesday, July 19, for our weekly Tobacco Free Tuesday virtual series.
We are thrilled to welcome special guest speaker Rebecca Padilla, the National Manager of Tobacco Programs for the American Lung Association. The webinar will feature Ms. Padilla’s presentation on asthma, athletes, and vaping, and finish with a brief Q&A session.
To pre-register and submit questions for Ms. Padilla, click here or scan the QR code on the flyer.
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Mobi, BRHD’s Mobile Health Unit, has already had a busy July, and still has quite a bit ahead for the remainder of the month! Here’s a glimpse of the amazing work the Mobi team is doing during the second half of July:
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics:
- Mobi on the Mall every Wednesday, 12-3pm
- Piedmont Pediatrics: Saturday, July 23, 9am-12pm
- JCPenney Parking Lot: Monday, July 25, 3:30-6pm
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Free Car Seat Safety Class (for those who meet eligibility requirements)
- Pleasant Grove Park in Fluvanna: July 20, 5-7pm
To find out whether you qualify, visit our Maternal Child Health webpage.
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There are several more events in the works for July, including free Narcan distribution, HIV & Hepatitis C testing, TB testing for school employees, school vaccine clinics, and much more! If you would like to have Mobi out at your next event, send us an email! | National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now “988” | |
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This weekend marks a great improvement in nationwide mental health resources!
The new three-digit dialing code “988” has been designated as the new way to route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may currently be able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing “988,” this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.
For more information, visit the 988 website.
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