RCAHD Health Updates Newsletter
3.6.24
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Health updates for residents of the
Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)
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Stopping the Comeback of Measles
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Earlier this year, you may have seen media coverage about potential measles exposures at northern Virginia airports. Unfortunately, these notices may become more common as we face the realities of decreased vaccine coverage across the world.
Vaccine rates significantly decreased during the pandemic, including rates for measles vaccinations. This decrease in vaccine rates was associated with an astonishing 40% increase in global measles deaths in 2022 (CDC). Thankfully, we have not seen a measles case in our districts in years, and we hope that by working together we can keep it that way.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that is spread through breathing, coughing, and sneezing. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. Symptoms include a fever, a runny nose, and an itchy rash of red-brown spots. About 20% of people with measles become sick enough to need to be hospitalized. And even with the best medical care, some people may still die of measles complications such as pneumonia or brain swelling. The most at-risk groups include babies, young children, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system.
The good news is that measles is easily preventable. The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your family. Global measles vaccination programs have saved over 50 million lives in the past 20 years (CDC)...
Why do experts think measles has re-appeared in the U.S.?
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March is National Nutrition Month
This month, celebrate the importance of making healthy food and drink choices to help prevent the onset of many chronic diseases. Some tips to turn healthy food choices into better routine eating habits include:
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Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies add color, fiber, flavor, vitamins and minerals to your plate. Experiment with fresh, frozen, and canned.
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Explore more plant-based meals. Vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lentils can be cost effective sources of protein. Consider starting with one meatless meal per week.
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Drink more water. Quench your thirst with water instead of drinks with added sugars. Water aids in digestion, keeps you hydrated, and removes waste from the body.
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Interested in making more healthy meals at home?
Check out Virginia's Family Nutrition Program Eat Smart Move More Virginia to discover improved nutrition goals and healthy, low-cost recipes reviewed by nutrition educators, including this easy-to-assemble and budget-friendly Eat Smart recipe:
An easy snack that can be enjoyed with whole grain crackers, no cooking required!
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Looking for support to achieve a healthy diet?
For 50 years, WIC has helped improve the health of pregnant women, infants, and children (under 5 years of age) through better nutrition and access to health care. WIC provides its recipients with nutrition education, support with breastfeeding, referrals, and access to healthy foods.
Did you know? A family of 4 with a household income of up to $46,300 per year could be eligible for WIC benefits. Call your local health department or visit WIC online to find out if you qualify.
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RCAHD Health Situation Update
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Indicators for both flu and COVID activity continue to improve locally in the Roanoke & Alleghany Health Districts, however many states are still seeing high levels of respiratory illness across the country.
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NEW! On March 1, the CDC updated COVID isolation guidance to a more symptoms-based approach to better align with precautions taken for other common respiratory illnesses such as flu and RSV.
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Septic Pump-Out Program for Roanoke County Residents
A partnership between Roanoke County and the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) is using Virginia Environmental Endowment grant funds to provide a no-cost septic tank pump-out program for qualified Roanoke County residents. Visit the Roanoke County Septic Pump Out page for more information.
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Who is eligible to apply? Roanoke County households with an annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line are eligible to apply for this program.
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How can I apply for a free pump-out? Attend the Saturday, March 9 educational workshop at the Vinton Library from 11am-1pm. You can apply for a pump-out there!
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Hot Off The Press!
Want to know how many Baby Care program service visits were conducted in Alleghany County? Interested in how many food establishment permits were issued in Roanoke City? Curious about local trends in Lyme Disease cases?
Check out these details and more in RCAHD's 2023 Annual Report, now available on the About Us page of the health department website.
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Coming March 26
"The Invisible Shield" on PBS
The Invisible Shield examines how public health makes modern life possible, but new challenges are putting our health at risk.
This four-part PBS series unpacks how the field of public health has saved countless lives, protected people from the constant threat of disease, and increased lifespans.
It also explores the hidden public health infrastructure that makes modern life possible, and highlights the unsung heroes—healthcare providers, scientists, reformers, engineers, and government officials—who have battled some of the world’s greatest health threats, from smallpox to COVID-19.
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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:
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Your local health department offers confidential counseling, prevention services, testing, treatment, and partner referrals for patients at risk of or currently experiencing STIs. Call for an appointment!
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