(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) today announced it is expanding eligibility for JYNNEOS, the monkeypox vaccine, to align with the current vaccination criteria laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Virginia, as of Thursday, Aug. 25, there were 295 cases of monkeypox, 183 of those in the Northern Health Region consisting of the counties of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William.

The expanded criteria for vaccination include Virginia residents who meet one of the following:
●       People, of any sexual orientation or gender, who have had anonymous or multiple (more than one) sexual partners in the past two weeks; or
●       Sex workers of any sexual orientation or gender; or
●       Staff, of any sexual orientation or gender, at establishments where sexual activity occurs.

Virginia has received a limited supply of JYNNEOS vaccine. If you are eligible, visit your local health district website to learn about how you can access the vaccine. You may use this locator tool to determine which local health district you reside in.

As of August 23, VDH had received 15,282 vials of the JYNNEOS vaccine, redistributed 8,899 vials to the state’s 35 health districts and administered 5,875 vials through local health departments and other healthcare providers. JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine. VDH manages the supply to ensure second doses are available.

Monkeypox is a contagious rash illness caused by the monkeypox virus. In most cases it resolves without treatment. It is spread by close contact with an infected person. Close contact includes touching skin lesions, bodily fluids, or clothing or linens that have been in contact with an infected person. Spread can also occur during prolonged, face-to-face contact.

While anyone can catch monkeypox if they have close contact with someone with monekypox, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, many of those affected in the current global outbreak are gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men. While this level of monkeypox activity is unexpected, the risk to the general population is low. People with monkeypox in the current outbreak generally report having close, sustained contact with other people who have monkeypox.

The highest risk activity currently is having sex with multiple or anonymous partners; avoiding these activities greatly reduces one’s risk of catching or spreading monkeypox. Monkeypox does not spread from person to person from walking past someone who is infected or through casual conversation with someone who is infected.

Initial symptoms of the disease often include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by skin lesions. However, some people have a rash without other symptoms. Although the majority of cases don’t require hospitalization, it is contagious and can be painful. If you have a rash that resembles monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to get tested. Treatment is available for those at risk of severe illness.

For the latest information about monkeypox from VDH, visit our monkeypox information webpage: www.vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox/.

Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp is coming up September 23-25, 2022, at the Airfield Conference Center in Wakefield, Virginia.

Stroke camp was started by Marylee Nunley and her husband, John. He suffered a stroke at 55 and could no longer engage in his community like he used to. They developed this camp to re-engage in a new community and develop new relationships. He was able to enjoy his new “normal”.

Since the camp began in 2004 there have been more than 170 camps across the country. There have been four Stroke Camps in Virginia, all sponsored by VCU Health.

“Last year we treated more than 150 people for stroke,” said Stroke Program Coordinator Tonya Wright at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital. “The changes these people and their families go through takes a toll on their lives. This is a great way for survivors and their friend or family member to heal and experience camaraderie with others in their shoes.”

The mission of Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp is to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, and their friend or family member. Activities include campfires, hiking, golf cart rides, singing, dancing, music therapy, pampering, karaoke and breakout support groups.

Quotes from past campers:

“It was especially meaningful as a celebration and honor to all caregivers as they were able to get pampered with manicures, facials, and massages, while enjoying a weekend socializing with other caregivers, sharing stories, and merriment the whole time.”

“Little did I know when we signed up how much fun and knowledge I would gain from Stroke Camp.”

The cost is $150 per person. Scholarships are available through Retreat and Refresh. Visit www.strokecamp.org for more information, email info@strokecamp.org or call (309) 688-5450.

On the evening of August 28, 2022, state police received a call from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office in reference to a missing female juvenile who fled from her Florida home on August 25th, 2022.

The PCSO detective advised state police that the juveniles' social media was being used to track her location and was believed to be traveling in a tractor trailer on Interstate 95 northbound in North Carolina, about to enter Virginia. State police immediately issued a BOL (be on the lookout) and prior to 11:00PM, the tractor trailer was spotted and identified at exit 11/Emporia City.

Troopers observed the tractor trailer traveling northbound in the right lane of Interstate 95 at the 14 mile marker and began to coordinate with one another, and a(n) Emporia Police Department Unit, in order to conduct a felony stop.

 Once at the 25 mile marker on Interstate 95, in Sussex County, troopers activated lights and sirens and pulled the driver of the tractor trailer over. A felony stop was conducted and the driver was commanded out of the vehicle, exiting the vehicle and detained without incident. Troopers then began to approach the vehicle when the missing juvenile emerged from the back of the tractor trailer cab. The juvenile was positively identified.

Upon further investigation, the female juvenile admitted to leaving her home in Florida by catching several rides from tractor trailer drivers, in an attempt to get to Tennassee. The juvenile also admitted to lying to the tractor trailer driver, a 41 year old Connecticut resident, of her name and age. She had advised the driver she was just seeking a ride to Tennessee.

Upon further questioning/investigation of the juvenile and driver, the tractor trailer driver was released from the scene and not charged.  The Pasco Sheriffs County Office was also contacted and advised that the juvenile was found safely and would be placed in children protective services until her parental guardian was able to travel to Virginia and assume custody of her.  

With an impressive collaboration and coordination amongst police agencies and dispatchers, a juvenile was found to be safe and returned back to her family in Florida.