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Healthcare Professionals Newsletter
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Avian influenza A(H5) has been recently detected in wild birds, commercial poultry, and other domestic birds in Virginia.
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There have not been any avian influenza A(H5) infections in people or dairy cattle in Virginia.
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VDH recommends providers continue to consider avian influenza virus infections in people with respiratory symptoms or conjunctivitis and a relevant exposure history.
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CDC has recommended that clinicians and laboratories expedite subtyping of influenza A positive respiratory patients on hospitalized patients.
Seasonal Norovirus-like Activity has been Elevated Across Virginia
For the last few weeks, Virginia's rate of emergency department (ED) and urgent care visits for viral gastrointestinal (GI) illness has been above threshold statewide.
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These visits have also been above threshold in all health planning regions (central, eastern, northern, northwest, and southwest).
Seasonal Flu Activity in Virginia is High
While seasonal flu activity remains high, it is not too late to vaccinate patients against flu. Everyone six months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine, with rare exceptions.
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Visits to the emergency department (ED) and urgent care for flu-like illness have been among the highest observed numbers that have been reported in Virginia in the past five years.
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Children 0-17 years of age have the largest proportion of ED visits for flu.
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Since the beginning of February, there have been over 80 reported outbreaks of influenza. More than half of these occurred in K-12 schools and daycare/pre-K settings.
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For more data, please visit the Respiratory Illness Dashboard
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Syndromic surveillance monitoring identified recent increases in ED and urgent care visits for viral myositis for children with influenza diagnoses. It is important for providers to be aware of this concerning trend.
Ebola Outbreak Caused by Sudan Virus in Uganda
On February 6, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Sudan virus in Uganda. No cases of Ebola have been reported outside of Uganda.
Most returning travelers who become ill and present to a U.S. healthcare facility do not have Ebola, but clinicians are asked to:
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Consider Ebola in the differential diagnosis for patients who have been in an area with an active Ebola outbreak, who have compatible symptoms, and who report an epidemiologic risk factor within the 21 days before symptom onset.
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In a recent study, CDC estimated that from October 1, 2023, to April 21, 2024, COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. prevented:
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More than 5,000 in-hospital deaths
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13,000 intensive care unit (ICU) admissions
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68,000 hospitalizations
While adults aged 65 years or older benefited the most from COVID vaccination, only 41% of this age group had received at least one 2023–2024 vaccine dose by May 5, 2024.
It's not too late in the season to get vaccinated against COVID-19, RSV, and flu. Make sure patients are up to date on recommended respiratory virus vaccines.
For more information on respiratory illnesses, please visit the VDH website.
COVID-19 Antiviral Treatment for Pregnant Women
A recent study found that pregnant women got antiviral therapy 67% less often than nonpregnant women for the treatment of an outpatient diagnosis of COVID-19.
For more information on COVID-19 treatment, please visit the VDH website.
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March 18: Congenital Syphilis & HIV Webinar
Tuesday, March 18 from 12:00-1:00
VCU School of Medicine’s HIV Education Program is pleased to be partnering with the Virginia HIV/AIDS Resource and Consultation Center, MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center (MAAETC), and The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to provide the following training. Additional trainings on a wide variety can be found at maaetc.org and vharcc.com.
VCU School of Medicine’s HIV Education Program is continuing their clinical
webinar series this Spring. This series will include clinical topics relating to HIV.
During this webinar, we will discuss the rising cases of congenital syphilis and the
important role providers play in the prevention of future cases.
Topics covered will include:
- Current data on rising syphilis cases in Virginia and across the country
- Ways to implement treatment guidelines and best practices in a clinical setting
- Identifying ways to help prevent cases of congenital syphilis and other STIs
including HIV.
March 4: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day
HPV can cause six different types of cancers, including cervical and cancers of the head and neck. HPV vaccination is an important tool for protecting Virginians against these cancers.
More information and next steps for how to support HPV vaccination can be found in this letter.
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