FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Mary Washington Hospital has installed a new antenna system to help first responders communicate more clearly when responding to emergencies inside the hospital.
According to a press release from Mary Washington Healthcare, the hospital’s new Distributed Antenna System (DAS) cost $268,000 and is designed to boost radio signals throughout the hospital, improving communication in areas where coverage is typically poor. Hospitals, with their thick walls and complex layouts, are some of the toughest places for emergency radios to work correctly.
Fredericksburg Fire Chief Michael Jones said the upgrade will help improve response times and safety for first responders, hospital staff, patients, and visitors. “The DAS installation at Mary Washington Hospital is a significant step forward in enhancing our ability to respond effectively in emergencies,” Jones said in the release.
Mary Washington Healthcare’s Chief Strategy Officer Eric Fletcher said the upgrade reflects the hospital’s commitment to keeping everyone safe. “The DAS system is a crucial enhancement that will support first responders and our doctors, nurses, techs, and supporting team to ensure seamless communication within our hospital,” Fletcher said.
The hospital said it remains dedicated to investing in technologies that support public safety and improve community care.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Health officials have confirmed a raccoon found near the 7000 block of Stubbs Bridge Road in Spotsylvania County tested positive for rabies, according to the Rappahannock Area Health District.
Anyone who may have had contact with the animal is urged to seek medical care right away and contact the Spotsylvania County Health Department at 540-507-7386. Pet owners concerned their animal may have been exposed should call their veterinarian and contact either the Health Department or Spotsylvania County Animal Control at 540-507-7549.
Rabies is a fatal disease that attacks the nervous system and can affect any mammal, including humans. It spreads through the saliva or brain tissue of infected animals, typically through bites or by getting infected fluids into a wound, eyes, or mouth. Vaccination is the best protection for pets like dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Virginia law requires all dogs and cats aged four months and older to be vaccinated for rabies and to keep those vaccinations up to date. Health officials remind residents to:
- Avoid contact with wild or unfamiliar animals.
- Report animal bites or unusual behavior to Animal Control at 540-507-7549.
- Vaccinate pets and keep their shots current.
- Call a doctor or the health department if you are exposed, or contact a veterinarian and Animal Control if your pet is exposed.
For more information, visit the Rabies Fact Sheet or the Rappahannock Area Health District’s rabies control page.
As Memorial Day approaches, local officials are ramping up safety efforts at Lake Anna in response to last summer’s E. coli outbreak that left two dozen people sick—most of them children.
In the summer of 2024, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported a total of 25 cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections associated with Lake Anna. The majority of these cases occurred among children under 18 years old. Five of the affected children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication requiring hospitalization.
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DUMFRIES, Va. – Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood invited the community to join him for a workout event just days after the unexpected death of his younger brother, 37-year-old Darron Smith.
Smith passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 2, 2025. In a heartfelt message, Mayor Wood described his brother as someone born for greatness—sharing a birthday with Super Bowl legend Doug Williams—and a constant presence in his life. “We shared so many moments side by side—from family to food trucks to faith,” Wood wrote. “And now my heart is broken.”
Despite the grief, the mayor channeled his pain into purpose, encouraging residents to come together for an event he called Move with the Mayor, held Monday evening at Ginn Memorial Park. Due to severe storms in the area and widespread power outages, the event was moved indoors, but that didn’t stop the community from showing up to support and heal together.
The session featured workouts led by SOS Fit trainers Coach Freddy, Coach B, and Coach D. “Let’s move together. Let’s heal together,” Wood said in his invitation. “Whether you’re coming to sweat, breathe, or simply stand in solidarity—you belong here.”
The event took place at 7 p.m. at 3800 Graham Park Road.
Virginia health officials have confirmed the first measles case of 2025, reported in a child from the Northwest Region who had recently traveled internationally. Health officials are now working to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the disease, including individuals who visited two medical centers in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) urges residents, particularly those in these areas, to check their vaccination status and seek the MMR vaccine if needed. Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination remains the best defense against the disease.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 19, 2025
Virginia Health Officials Confirm First 2025 Measles Case in the State
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting the state’s first measles case of the year. The patient is a child (0-4 years) in the Northwest Region who recently traveled internationally. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating efforts to identify anyone who might have been exposed.
“This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel,” said VDH State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano, D.O., M.P.H. “Vaccination remains our best defense against measles and is safe and highly effective at protecting people and preventing outbreaks. We urge Virginians, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status, talk to their health care provider, and get the MMR vaccine if needed.”
Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of potential exposure sites in Virginia:
Kaiser Permanente Caton Hill Medical Center, Advanced Urgent Care, located at 13285 Minnieville Road in Woodbridge on Tuesday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Kaiser Permanente Fredericksburg Medical Center, Pediatrics Department, located at 1201 Hospital Drive in Fredericksburg on Wednesday, April 16 from noon to 5 p.m.
What should you do if you were at the above locations on the day and time specified?If you have never received a measles-containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the date of your potential exposure. If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.
If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve the highest level of protection, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.
Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.
Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are very susceptible to infection if they are exposed to measles. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.
To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request your vaccination records using the VDH Immunization Record Request Form. Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can email [email protected] or contact your local health department.
For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles
Rep. Eugene Vindman, a Virginia Democrat and former whistleblower, criticized President Donald Trump’s second term, calling its first 45 days an “abomination” during an MSNBC appearance. In response, the White House issued a scathing statement, dismissing Vindman’s remarks as “moronic” and accusing him of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” (The Center Square)
VA Facility Opens with Questions about Staffing
A new 470,000-square-foot Veterans Administration medical facility in Spotsylvania County, designed to serve over 40,000 veterans, opened with significant staffing shortages. Due to a federal hiring freeze enacted by President Trump’s executive order in January, between 70% and 80% of positions—excluding doctors and nurses—remain unfilled, raising concerns about the quality of care available to veterans in the region. (FXBG Advance)
Iconic Paperboy Statue ‘Lance’ Returns to Downtown Fredericksburg
The bronze statue “Lance,” symbolizing the historic role of newsboys and once stationed outside The Free Lance–Star newspaper’s downtown office, has been relocated back to its original area near The Publisher Hotel. After the newspaper’s move in 2016, Lance remained at the Central Park location until Mary Washington Healthcare facilitated its return, underscoring the community’s dedication to preserving local history.(Fredericksburg Free Press)
Stafford County Deputy Assists Mama Pig in Unusual Predicament
A Stafford County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a call about a pig in distress and found a pregnant sow stuck in a muddy ditch. The deputy collaborated with local animal control to safely rescue the pig, showcasing the department’s commitment to all community members, human and animal alike. (InsideNoVa)
Residents of Prince William County and surrounding areas now have access to the latest in medical imaging technology, thanks to a major investment by UVA Prince William Medical Center. The hospital has introduced a new state-of-the-art MRI system that promises faster scan times, enhanced image quality, and an improved patient experience.
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is crucial in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, from orthopedic injuries to neurological disorders and cancer. According to Donna Staton, Chief Operations Officer for UVA Community Health, the demand for MRI services has seen double-digit growth in recent years, driven by population increases and expanded specialty care offerings at the hospital.
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The George Mason University Patriots women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 76-66 victory over the University of Massachusetts during the annual #Play4Kay Pink Game at EagleBank Arena on Sunday, February 16. The event, sponsored for the sixth consecutive year by Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC), brought together fans, survivors, and medical professionals to raise awareness of women’s cancers and honor those affected by breast cancer.
A Victory Beyond the Scoreboard
With 2,679 fans in attendance, the energy inside EagleBank Arena was electric, as the Patriots not only continued their strong season—now boasting 20+ wins and a second-place standing in the Atlantic 10 Conference—but also played for a cause that extends far beyond basketball.
Before the game, Sentara’s Cancer Network Resource Center hosted a special reception to celebrate breast cancer survivors. Bernadette Soliday, one of the honorees, shared her powerful story of perseverance and support.
“An important thing that I learned through my journey is that there is an army of people behind you to get you through a cancer experience,” said Soliday. “It’s the doctors, the nurses, the nurse navigators, your family, your friends, and community groups that provide supplies and emotional support. I want to say thank you to all of them for standing by us during such a challenging time.”
Supporting Survivors Beyond the Game
Sentara’s Breast Cancer Nurse Navigation Program was critical in Soliday’s journey, guiding diagnosis through recovery. She credited the program for its continued support, even beyond active treatment, as she found solace in joining Sentara’s breast cancer support group.
“It’s a wonderfully diverse and supportive group of women,” Soliday shared. “We’ve all had different diagnoses and treatment paths, but we understand each other and share that support.”
The Sentara Cancer Network Resource Center provides a variety of resources and support for those diagnosed with cancer, their caregivers, and those seeking information about cancer prevention.
“We could not be prouder to be part of the national Play4Kay initiative to raise awareness of cancers affecting women and to honor brave cancer survivors at all points in their journeys,” said Jeff Joyner, president of SNVMC. “Our multidisciplinary team at the Sentara Northern Virginia Comprehensive Breast Center brings together experts and technology to create personalized care plans for each patient.”
The Pink Game is part of the national Play4Kay initiative, named after legendary Hall of Fame Coach Kay Yow. Yow, who battled breast cancer herself, envisioned Play4Kay as a way to unite communities in the fight against cancers affecting women. The initiative continues her legacy by bringing together players, coaches, officials, and fans to support a cause that transcends sports.
Sentara medical experts stress the importance of routine mammograms as one of the most effective methods for early breast cancer detection.
Sentara Lake Ridge, a standalone emergency facility, is now accepting ambulance patients as of February 4, 2025, expanding emergency medical access in eastern Prince William County. Previously, emergency medical service (EMS) vehicles were required to take patients to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, a Level III Trauma Center.
This expansion aims to address the region’s growing healthcare needs and alleviate pressure on SNVMC’s emergency department, which treated over 50,000 patients in 2024. SLR, which served more than 23,600 walk-in patients last year, has invested in staff training and medical equipment to support this transition.
More in a press release:
Sentara Lake Ridge (SLR), a standalone emergency facility on Minnieville Road in the Lake Ridge community of Woodbridge, is now accepting patients via ambulance, expanding access to high-quality emergency medical care for residents in eastern Prince William County.
The new service began on February 4, 2025, and is designed to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community while continuing Sentara’s established partnership with Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue.
“We’re experiencing growth in this part of Prince William County and the demand for timely and efficient emergency care has never been greater,” said SNVMC President Jeff Joyner. “Expanding access to our stand-alone emergency department, Sentara Lake Ridge, helps alleviate the burden on the emergency department at our main medical center campus while ensuring patients receive prompt medical attention.”
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) opened the Sentara Lake Ridge ambulatory emergency department in 2012 to help meet growing demands for emergency care services in Prince William County beyond the emergency department on the SNVMC campus on Opitz Blvd.
In 2024, SLR served more than 23,600 people who came to the facility for care on their own. Up until now, emergency medical service vehicles were not authorized to bring patients to this location but would take patients to the SNVMC emergency department.
SNVMC is a Level III Trauma Center and cared for more than 50,000 people in 2024.
“The ability for EMS personnel to bring patients to SLR via ambulance provides greater options for this growing community,” said Battalion Chief Robert Moreau of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue.
To support this initiative, Sentara has made key investments, including acquisition of additional medical equipment, enhancing staff training to ensure seamless patient care, and strengthening relationships with Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue personnel.
“By welcoming ambulance patients, we are taking an important step toward improving timely access to emergency care within our expanding community in Prince William County and supporting our local first responders,” noted Joyner.
As bird flu cases continue to rise in the U.S., UVA Health infectious diseases expert Dr. Patrick Jackson provided insights into the latest developments and potential risks during a media briefing. With over 60 confirmed human cases nationwide and recent detections in birds across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, concerns about the virus's spread have resurfaced.
Jackson reassured the public that while the presence of bird flu in Virginia is noteworthy, it does not significantly change the risk level for humans. “We've known for a long time that H5N1 influenza, in its current strain, is widely distributed in wild bird populations,” he said. “The fact that it’s been detected in poultry operations in Virginia was something we expected to happen sooner or later.”
