Health Department

Although it may feel like summer is winding down, the Health Department urges everyone to prevent mosquito bites while spending time outdoors. The Health Department reminds residents to prevent mosquito bites and prevent mosquitoes from breeding on their property. Some mosquito bites are just annoying, but others are more than just a nuisance and can cause serious health issues. The best way to prevent mosquito bites include: Use repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecaone, making sure to follow label instructions. Wear loose fitting long pants and long sleeves to cover exposed skin. Limit exposure to mosquitoes during peak biting times, especially at dusk and dawn. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Many of the places where mosquitoes develop on private property are artificial containers holding small amounts of water. Checking your yard for standing water or containers holding water weekly and eliminating that water can help reduce the number of mosquitoes around where you live. Any kind of container can become a mosquito breeding site, but the most common ones found in our yards are gardening equipment, tarps, household items that are left outside, and corrugated downspout extensions. The Health Department offers free yard inspections for anyone in the Fairfax Health District who is trying to manage a mosquito problem in their yard. Request a mosquito inspection of your yard from the Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health online or call 703-246-2201, TTY 711. Another reason to protect yourself from mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding from your yard is to help prevent West Nile virus (WNV). This virus is present in mosquitoes in our region every year. Positive mosquitoes have been collected in Fairfax Health District, underscoring the importance of preventing mosquito bites. No human cases have been reported. Some infected mosquitoes can spread WNV to people and some of those people can become sick. People at greatest risk for serious disease associated with WNV infection are adults over the age of 60. People with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and organ transplant recipients, are also at greater risk. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, and lethargy should seek medical attention right away. The Health Department uses an integrated approach to mosquito management to minimize the risk of human disease, including the following: Educating the public about ways to reduce their risk of WNV Collecting and testing adult mosquitoes throughout the Health District from May through October. Investigating human cases of mosquito-borne disease. Responding to requests from homeowners for help with mosquitoes on their property. Performing routine mosquito inspections and treatments of stormwater ponds throughout Fairfax County. For more information, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/fightthebite or call 703-246-2201, TTY 711.

The Fairfax Health District is experiencing an increase in pertussis illness, which is also known as “whooping cough.” An increase is also occurring across Virginia and nationwide. What is pertussis? Pertussis is an illness caused by bacteria. It is spread from person to person through the air. When an ill person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets are released in the air that other people can breathe in. It spreads more easily when people spend a lot of time together or share breathing space. At first, pertussis can seem like a common cold. Symptoms can include: Runny or stuffed-up nose Low fever Mild cough. These symptoms can last 1 to 2 weeks. Then, people may develop coughing fits (paroxysms) which can last weeks to months. During these fits, people may: Make a high-pitched “whoop” sound when they breathe in after a coughing fit Vomit during or after coughing fits Feel tired after the fit, but seem well in-between fits Have trouble sleeping at night Struggle to breathe Fracture (break) a rib from coughing too hard. Babies may not have a cough at all but instead gasp for air or have pauses in breathing (apnea) which is life-threatening. Apnea can cause the baby to turn blue. About 1 in 3 babies younger than 1 year old who get whooping cough need care in the hospital. Others who are at higher risk for getting very sick include people with weakened immune systems and those with moderate or severe asthma. How can I prevent getting pertussis? The best way to avoid whooping cough is to get vaccinated. There are two types of vaccines that protect against it: DTaP and Tdap. They also protect against diphtheria and tetanus. Children should get five doses of DTaP, including at least one dose on or after their 4th birthday. Preteen ages 11 to 12 years should get a booster dose of Tdap before they start 7th grade. Adults should get a booster dose of Tdap every 10 years and during every pregnancy. These vaccines work well, but protection fades over time, so booster doses are needed to ensure you are protected. How is pertussis treated? Healthcare providers usually treat whooping cough with antibiotics. It is important to start treatment early to prevent medical complications and to help prevent the spread of disease to others. How can I protect myself and loved ones? Stay up-to-date on vaccines that protect against pertussis . Talk to a healthcare provider if you or your child have been around someone with whooping cough. They may give you antibiotics to prevent illness. See a healthcare provider if you or your child have coughing fits. Seek immediate care if you or your child has trouble breathing. Additional information Learn more about whooping cough (pertussis) from the CDC. Check out required childhood immunizations on our website. See when we are hosting back-to-school immunization clinics for the 2024-25 school year. Visit our web page and follow us on social media for updates on respiratory illnesses and other health topics.

WIC and other resources are available to support your breastfeeding goals. Good nutrition during the first 2 years of life is vital for your child’s healthy growth and development. Human breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. Health organizations recommend breastfeeding (also called chestfeeding) for up to 2 years of age or longer*. Feeding your baby only breast milk is recommended for the first six months of life (along with any necessary medications or vitamin and mineral supplements)**. Then continuing to breastfeed while introducing complementary food beginning at 6 months old. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother (or birthing parent) and baby. It helps your baby feel safe, warm, secure, and loved. It can also reduce the risk for certain health conditions for both infants and mothers. Finding Support for Breastfeeding Even though it is natural, there are some basic things to learn to help you succeed. And for some, breastfeeding can be challenging for a number of reasons. Everyone’s experience is different, but it is important to remember: Your friends and family can help you in many ways. For example, they can help change diapers, run errands, and prepare meals. Take care of yourself. Making sure you are eating, drinking, and resting enough can help you take care of your baby. We know it can be easier said than done, here are some tips. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program can also help support you and your breastfeeding journey so that you can meet your goals. WIC staff includes trained breastfeeding peer counselors and lactation experts who will encourage you and help address basic breastfeeding concerns. Support is offered both in person and by phone. Learn more about enrolling in WIC. More Information See our Infant Nutrition page. Learn more from the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health. It's Only Natural has breastfeeding information for African-American women. Call the National Women's Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 1-800-994-9662 (Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6 pm ET) Call or text the Maternal Mental Health Hotline when you need support: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (24/7) Visit our web page and follow us on social media for updates on this and other Maternal and Child Health topics.     *The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend continuing breastfeeding through at least two years of age. **Recommendations are from the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.