The Virginia Department of Health is continuing to closely monitor the Swine-origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection (swine flu) outbreak to keep Virginians informed of this rapidly evolving public health issue.
Be SafeSummer Heat is No Day at the BeachSummer temperatures in Virginia normally climb into the upper 90’s and even reach over 100 degrees at times. People can suffer ill health effects when their body temperature control system is on overload. A person’s body temperature can shoot up when normal sweating cannot cool it quickly enough in extreme heat. Damage to the brain or other vital organs can result from very high body temperatures. VDH offers these tips to cope with and protect your health in thesummer. |
Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Cause the Most Mosquito Bites in VirginiaEvery summer, thousands of Virginians complain to their local and state government officials about the horrible mosquito problems they have in their neighborhoods. Often, a nearby pond, puddle, flooded ditch, marsh or swamp are the focus of the mosquito complaint. However, in most cases the problem mosquitoes turn out to be Asian tiger mosquitoes and the source of these mosquitoes is found to be containers of water on or near the citizen’s property. Learn more>> |
Virginia’s Infant Mortality Rate is Lowest in History
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Virginia Restaurants and SmokingGov. Timothy M. Kaine recently signed legislation banning smoking in Virginia's bars and restaurants. The legislation goes into effect Dec. 1, 2009, to protect Virginia restaurant workers and patrons from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The Virginia Department of Health offers these frequently asked questions and answers about the new law and the department’s role. |
Welcome to the Virginia Department of Health’s Web site. Our Web site is designed to be user friendly and I certainly hope you find that to be the case.
The mission of VDH is “To promote and protect the health of all Virginians.” Our vision statement is “Healthy people in healthy communities.” To fulfill our mission and achieve our vision, VDH’s scope of responsibility is very broad and far reaching. This is demonstrated by the vast range of public health programs and activities that are referenced on our site.
Thank you again for visiting the VDH Web site and for your interest in our public health system. Click here for more agency info>>
Sincerely, Karen Remley, M.D., MBA
State Health Commissioner
Are you, or someone you know, having problems affording the medicines prescribed by your doctor? Many companies that make commonly prescribed medicines have Prescription Assistance Programs, through which qualifying patients (or their doctors) receive medicines at low or no cost. For more information visit the Prescription Assistance Programs Web site or call our hotline at 1-866-531-3065.