flu | ALXnow

Virginia’s first flu-related child death of season confirmed by state health officials

Published January 16, 2026 at 1:45PM

Medical office equipment (via fr0ggy5/Unsplash)

The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first flu-related pediatric death this season, as public health officials across Virginia continue to monitor increased flu activity.

Health officials yesterday (Thursday) said a preschool-aged child — between newborn age and 4 years old — died from flu-related complications. The child was from Virginia’s Eastern Region, which largely covers the Tidewater and Eastern Shore areas. The health department is not releasing additional information about the child to protect the family’s privacy.

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Emergency visits for the flu triple in Alexandria, prompting calls for more vaccinations

By Katie Taranto

Published January 5, 2026 at 11:45AM

Former ALXnow editor receives a Covid-19 shot on Wednesday, Sept. 10 (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

After a reported uptick in flu, COVID-19 and other illnesses in the city, the Alexandria Health Department is recommending the flu shot and and other preventative measures to stay healthy.

Flu-related emergency department visits more than tripled in Alexandria during the last two weeks of December, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health. Alexandria’s current flu vaccination rate is low, sitting at less than 30% of the population, AHD spokesperson Eve Elliott told ALXnow.

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Health Department warns flu is on the rise in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published February 13, 2025 at 11:30AM

Influenza diagnoses among Alexandria residents (image via Virginia Department of Health)

The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is warning that Alexandria is seeing a significant rise in influenza.

The Virginia Department of Health data shows that last week there were 122 visits — 13.36% of all emergency room visits — in which Alexandria residents were diagnosed with the flu.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published October 1, 2021 at 5:00AM

Jones Point Park along the Potomac River and below the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Board members who backed sale of River Farm resign — “Five board members of the American Horticultural Society (AHS) who backed the sale of historic River Farm, including its chair, have resigned, the organization said Thursday. Their departure from the evenly split governing body leaves only members who have opposed selling the Potomac River property that once formed part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon.” [Washington Post]

Alexandria Love Your Pet Day Festival is on Sunday — “One week to go until the Alexandria Love Your Pet Day Festival! Join us next Sunday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the spacious Oronoco Bay Park for this free event with something for everyone — including well-behaved, leashed pets! Enjoy amazing performances, meet adoptable animals, visit fantastic vendors or grab a drink in the Port City beer garden!” [Facebook]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published September 22, 2021 at 5:00AM

Alexandria seeks input on phase II revision of noise ordinance — “On May 15, the Alexandria City Council adopted phase I technical revisions of the City’s noise ordinance. The City is now seeking public input on a phase II revision that would address policy issues associated with land use, noise levels and changes with noise sources. The objective is to finalize this revision for Council consideration by the end of 2021.” [City of Alexandria]

Alexandria author writes book on 19th century Scottish migrant — “First-time author Ellen Hamilton has spent years working on the story of William Gregory, who settled here in Alexandria in 1807. Now, her first book, ‘A Scottish Migration to Alexandria’, is going into print.” [Alexandria Living]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published November 10, 2020 at 9:00AM

Four Mile Run in Alexandria (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Man Shot to Death in Georgetown — “Officers from the Second District responded around 2:56 a.m., to the 3300 block of Water St., N.W., for the sound of gunshots. They found Franklin Hernandez Arevalo, 19, of Alexandria, Virginia suffering from a gunshot wound. D.C. Fire and EMS determined Arevalo had died and transported him later to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.” [Patch]

Beyer Says Trump Trying to Steal Election — “This is simple: Donald Trump is openly trying to steal an election he lost. He will not succeed, but we will remember who went along with it. ‘I was just following orders’ will not be accepted as an excuse for attempting to overthrow the results of an American election.” [Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published November 4, 2020 at 9:00AM

Virtual Opening Thursday for New Alexandria Townhomes — “Winchester Homes will host a virtual grand opening Thursday, Nov. 5, for Bren Pointe, a new 97-unit townhome community opening in Alexandria.” [Alexandria Living]

Indoor Sports Leagues Cancelled for 2021 Winter Season — “All indoor leagues organized by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) are cancelled, including youth and adult basketball, adult volleyball, youth sports affiliate Alexandria Soccer Association’s indoor futsal league, and social sport gymnasium rentals. Small group sports classes, which are lower risk activities, will continue and will follow federal, state, and local guidelines for the safety of participants and staff. ” [City of Alexandria]

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Health Department Wants Alexandria Seniors to Get High-Dose Flu Shot

By James Cullum

Published October 13, 2020 at 2:30PM | Updated October 13, 2020 at 5:29PM

Alexandria Health Department (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

The Alexandria Health Department is advising senior citizens to get a high-dose influenza vaccine this flu season.

“Flu vaccination is particularly important for senior residents, who account for most hospitalizations and deaths from flu, and are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, which shares many characteristics of flu,” according to a city release. “AHD Medical Reserve Corps recently conducted an informal phone survey of more than 50 Alexandria pharmacies, and found that most of them either have the Senior Flu Shot available currently or will soon.”

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published October 5, 2020 at 9:00AM

Beyer Denounces Trump’s Sunday Drive-By — “Why did they approve it? What precautions were taken? Who else did they interact with? The continuing lack of transparency from the White House is unsustainable and dangerous.” [Twitter]

Mayor Congratulates After Successful Flu Clinic — “Thanks to our Health Dept, @AlexandriaVAPD @AlexandriaVAFD @AlexVASheriff & our Medical Reserve Corps volunteers for administering another 962 flu vaccines today (1,802 at 2 clinics) in an extremely well-organized operation. Get vaccinated, Alexandria!” [Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published September 25, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated September 25, 2020 at 10:45AM

Beyer Says Trump Should Not Reject Strict FDA Guidelines for COVID Vaccines — “Political interference with vaccine development and an open feud with FDA can only further damage the public’s already growing safety concerns. Once again, lives may depend on Trump shutting his mouth and letting scientists do their jobs.” [Twitter]

Pizzeria Paradiso Closing in Old Town — “Like many restaurants in Old Town, Pizzeria Paradiso closed when the coronavirus pandemic reached Alexandria. Unfortunately, the beloved pizza restaurant will not be reopening, the owner announced this week.” [Alexandria Living]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published September 24, 2020 at 9:00AM

Beyer Calls Breonna Taylor Ruling Unjust — “Breonna Taylor should still be alive. She did not deserve to die. This is not justice.” [Twitter]

Visit Alexandria Thanks Community With Video — “Here’s our tribute to Alexandria’s small businesses, hospitality workers, health department and city government, who are standing together in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. We thank you!” [Twitter]