Public Advised to Avoid Contact with Contaminated Water 

(Wise, VA) -- The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is issuing a recreational water advisory for the South Fork of the Powell River near East Stone Gap to the Powell River at Big Stone Gap. For the safety of people and pets, VDH is advising that recreational water activities, such as swimming, wading, tubing, and whitewater kayaking (where submersion in the water is likely), should be avoided. The advisory is issued out of an abundance of caution due to a sewage release from a Big Stone Gap Department of Public Utilities sewer force main on February 21, 2023, into the Powell River.

As of 10 am on February 21, 2023, VDH was informed by Big Stone Gap Public Utilities that approximately 50 gallons of sewage per minute from the force main was being released into the South Fork to the Powell River, following the main failure on February 21, 2023. Activities to repair the force main were expected to continue today, weather permitting. 

VDH has observed no evidence of impacts to drinking water at this time. 

Activities on the waterbodies, which are not likely to result in water submersion (boating, fishing, canoeing), may continue with proper caution to avoid contact with the water. 
Swallowing contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, with vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain or fever. Contact with contaminated water also can cause infections of the ears, nose, throat and skin. 
To prevent recreational water illnesses due to exposure to sewage release events, people should: 
Avoid contact with the waterbodies noted above and observe advisory signage posted at waterbody access points. 
Avoid any area of the waterbody where there is water with a foul odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water. 
Promptly wash skin with soap and water if you cannot avoid contact with water in the vicinity. 
Seek medical care and notify your practitioner of the waterbody exposure if you experience adverse health effects after contact with the waterbody. 

 For more information on recreational water safety, see "Safely Enjoy Virginia's Natural Waters" and other materials at www.SwimHealthyVA.com.  

Remote Area Medical – RAM® – a major nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics delivering free, quality dental, vision and medical care to those in need – will hold a free, two-day clinic on May 21-22. RAM will be set up at Emory & Henry College located at 12228 Itta Bena Rd., Emory, VA 24327. This clinic is in collaboration with Emory & Henry College and Emory & Henry College’s School of Health Sciences. All RAM services are free, and no ID is required. Free dental, vision and medical services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The patient parking lot will open no later than 11:59 p.m. (midnight) on Friday night, May 20, and remain open for the duration of the clinic. Once in the parking lot, additional information regarding clinic opening processes and next steps will be provided. Clinic doors open at 6 a.m. Due to time constraints, patients should be prepared to choose between DENTAL and VISION services. Medical services are offered, in addition to dental or vision services, free to every patient attending the clinic. All patients will be required to wear a face covering and must undergo a COVID-19 screening before entering the clinic. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.ramusa.org or call 865-579-1530. Additional Information: • Services available at the free RAM clinic include dental cleanings, dental fillings, dental extractions, dental x-rays, eye exams, glaucoma testing, eyeglass prescriptions, eyeglasses made on-site, women's health exams and general medical exams. Free take-home colon cancer screening test kits will also be available. 

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. -- The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds everyone that many locations are available throughout the region and across the Commonwealth for individuals seeking COVID-19 testing. Testing demand has recently increased across the western region, as cases of COVID-19 are rising due to the more contagious Delta variant.
All COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing serious illness and death. While vaccination is the most effective strategy to protect individuals, families and communities, testing remains an important tool to help identify individuals with illness, protect those around them and monitor trends in COVID-19 infections.
"It's critical that we reserve our hospital emergency rooms and rescue squads for medical emergencies, so if you're seeking a COVID test and it is not an emergency, please utilize other testing locations," said Laurie Forlano, M.D., deputy director, VDH Office of Epidemiology.
VDH recommends that the following people be tested for COVID-19:
Those with symptoms or signs of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.
Those who have had close contact with someone known or suspected to have COVID-19.
Fully vaccinated people should be tested three to five days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, even if you don't have symptoms.
People who are not fully vaccinated should be tested immediately after an exposure, and again five to seven days following exposure if the first test is negative. Those who participate in activities that are higher risk for COVID-19 exposure (e.g. travel, attending large events where social distancing is not possible, or being in crowded indoor settings).Those who have been referred for COVID-19 testing by their healthcare provider or the health department. Those who plan to travel or who have recently returned from travel with some exceptions for fully vaccinated people. Those who are not fully vaccinated and who plan to visit people at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.Those who tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months and recovered do not need to get tested after exposure as long as they do not have symptoms. VDH has partnered with Walgreens to provide Abbott BinaxNow Rapid antigen testing at no cost, at selected locations. Walgreens pharmacy team members will help you self-administer your COVID-19 test. Test results will be processed at the pharmacy and provided to patients within 24 hours. COVID-19 testing is available by appointment to adults and children ages 2 and older who meet screening criteria for testing. Make an appointment at Walgreens.com/COVID19Testing.Due to the current surge in COVID-19 cases, some testing locations may prioritize tests for symptomatic persons or persons with known close contact to a person with COVID-19.For questions about COVID-19 testing or a list of testing locations, visit the VDH website or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.To schedule your vaccine, request a vaccination record or for more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit www.vaccinate.virginia.gov. 

Remote Area Medical Will Be Holding A Free Vision, Dental And Medical Clinic In Rural Retreat Virginia. The RAM Clinic Is Scheduled For May 15Th And 16Th At The Mountain Empire Airport. Doors Will Open At 6Am Both Days. All Services Are Free And Offered On A First Come First Serve Basis. For More Information You Can Visit

The Sullivan County Regional Health Department Is Gearing Up For A Mass Vaccination Event. It Will Take Place Tomorrow Through Friday. Anyone Age 18 And Up Will Be Able To Come To The Bristol Motor Speedway And Receive The Single-Dose Johnson & Johnson Vaccine. Mark Moody, The Health Department’s Emergency Coordinator, Said The Goal Is To Reach A 70-Percent Vaccination Rate To Help Obtain Herd Immunity. Currently, The Rate Is Over 20-Percent. The Event At BMS Will Be Open From 9 To 8 Wednesday, Thursday, And Friday.

(Marion, Va.) – Mount Rogers Health District, Cumberland Plateau Health District, and Lenowisco Health District are moving into Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccination on Wednesday, April 7.
 
“The transition to Phase 2 means that all residents of far Southwest Virginia age 16 and older are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Karen Shelton, health director. “We are overjoyed to make this transition and be able to vaccinate all of our adult population. Vaccination is our best way out of this pandemic and back toward normal life.”
 
“It is important to note that Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for 16- and 17-year olds,” continued Shelton. “Parents of 16- and 17-year olds should check with the vaccine provider in order to ensure they register in an appropriate clinic. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are both approved for those 18 and older.”
 
To find vaccine appointments, please visit https://vaccinefinder.org/ or your local health district’s website:

• Mount Rogers: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/mount-rogers/appointments/
• Cumberland Plateau: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/cumberland-plateau/vaccine/
• Lenowisco: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/lenowisco/vaccine/

 
Those who are in isolation or quarantine for COVID-19 or who have another illness with a fever are not eligible for a vaccine until these conditions are resolved. Those who have had COVID-19 and received monoclonal antibodies or plasma treatment are not eligible to receive a vaccine until 90 days after treatment. Those who have had a vaccine within the last 14 days should wait to schedule their COVID-19 vaccine until 14 days have elapsed since their other vaccination.
 
For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine

(LEBANON, Va.) – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Cumberland Plateau and Lenowisco Health Districts remind residents and visitors to Virginia to take precautions to protect their health during and after heavy rains. Bacteria, debris, and other pollutants are picked up by rainwater as it travels over the land and ends up in rivers, lakes and streams. Recent heavy rains can increase the risk of exposure to inadequately treated wastewater released from sewage treatment plants and animal waste. This mix of rain and pollution can pose risks to human health and safety.
 
Rain events also cause flooding and fast-moving waters, especially in low-lying areas. People should take precautions to avoid flooded areas and swollen waterways, and once the sun comes out, be aware of potential health risks and hazards before you participate in recreational water activities, like swimming and boating. Swallowing contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, with vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain or fever. Contact with contaminated water also can cause infections of the ears, nose, throat and skin.
 
VDH recommends these safety tips for those who enjoy swimming, wading, kayaking, canoeing or rafting in Virginia’s rivers and natural waters:
•Avoid wading, swimming and boating in natural waters following heavy rains. These waters typically contain more debris and germs, and can increase your risk of injury and illness.
•Avoid getting water in your mouth. Never swallow water from an untreated water source.
•Don’t swim if you have broken skin. Bacteria, viruses and other organisms can infect wounds and cause more serious illness.
•Shower with soap and water after recreating in natural waters.
•Don’t swim when you are ill.
•Avoid swimming if dead fish are present.
•Use extreme caution and avoid unnecessary risks if you encounter covered roads or fast-moving waters. The water may be deeper and moving faster than you think. Remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
 
Residents or facilities that provide water to the public including campgrounds, restaurants, summer camps, or daycares with private wells or septic systems submerged by flood waters should also take extra precautions.
 
For more information and safety tips regarding private wells and septic systems visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/responding-to-an-emergency-affecting-your-private-well/.
 
To find the location of local sewer treatment facilities, contact your local public works department.
 
To contact your local health department, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/local-health-districts. For more information on recreational water safety, see “Safely Enjoy Virginia’s Natural Waters” at www.SwimHealthyVA.com. 

The Health Wagon And The Virginia Dental Association Foundation Have Decided To Cancel This Year’s Move Mountain Medical Mission, Formerly Wise Remote Area Medical And The VDAF Mission Of Mercy, Due To The Covid-19 Pandemic. This Event Was Set To Be Held In Wise Virginia From July 9th And 10th With The Health Wagon’s Medical And Vision Clinics Held At The Wise County Fairgrounds. Health Wagon President And CEO Teresa Tyson Said Public Safety Is Of The Utmost Importance. ​