Health Department Shares Details of Measles Exposures

The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is advising residents about potential exposures to measles in northern Virginia including at Washington National Airport on Jan. 4. 

For more, see the news release from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) titled, Virginia Health Officials Investigating Potential Measles Exposures In Northern Virginia.  

People may have been exposed to a person infected with measles if they were at the following locations at the specified dates and times: 

* Dulles International Airport (IAD): the international arrivals area of the main terminal between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 

* Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Terminal A between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 

All people who may have been exposed should review the news release for recommended actions. Actions are summarized below: 

* Exposed people who have had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine like the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 do not need to take action. 

* Exposed people who are not fully vaccinated against measles and born after 1957 should watch out for symptoms until Jan. 25, 2024. Symptoms include a runny nose, fever above 101 degrees, cough, watery red eyes, and rash. If symptoms appear, the individual should isolate and seek care immediately.  

* Those who may be immunocompromised should talk to a health care provider about specific recommendations.   

If you have questions about a potential exposure, call VDH at (804) 864-8140 or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov. 

City to Hold Webinar on Flood Mitigation Grant and Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Program

City of Alexandria residents and businesses can learn about the Stormwater Utility (SWU) Fee Credit Program and Flood Mitigation Grant Program during a live webinar on Monday, January 22, from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. https://apps.alexandriava.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?si=57026

City staff will present details on the two programs and answer questions participants may have.

The City is accepting applications for the Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Program through Feb. 15, 2024; the application window opened on Dec. 1. Property owners can apply for a reduction — or ‘credit’ — of up to 50 percent on their SWU Fee by installing and maintaining eligible stormwater management practices on their property.

The SWU Fee, which is paid by all property owners as a separate line item on the real estate tax bill, is based on the amount of impervious area — or hard surfaces — on a property. The fee provides a dedicated funding source for the City’s stormwater management programs, including flood mitigation capital projects under Flood Action Alexandria, and operational activities including storm inlet and pipe cleaning.

Applications are accepted year-round for the Flood Mitigation Grant. Property owners can apply to receive a 50/50 matching grant, up to $5,000 maximum, on costs of approved flood mitigation practices. The program provides financial incentives to install flood protection on properties, which can provide flood relief while the City implements large capital flood mitigation projects.

In October 2023, the City updated the Flood Mitigation Grant Program to open eligibility to all property owners, removing the requirement to show past flooding. The update also included eligibility for condo associations to apply for a 50/50 matching grant, up to $25,000, on work completed on association common areas.

The Jan. 22 webinar will be held from 7 p.m. -8 p.m. It is open to the public and will be hosted via Zoom.

Tavern Games Night

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum invites you to Tavern Games Night on Jan. 19. The event, scheduled from 7-9 p.m., will be held at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum located at 134 North Royal Street in Alexandria. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. Attendees must be 21 and older.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of historical gaming as Gadsby’s Tavern Museum brings the 18th-century "sporting" culture to life. Join us for an engaging presentation on the gaming customs of the era, followed by the opportunity to try your hand at a variety of authentic 18th-century games.

Sip on drinks in the historic ambiance of Gadsby’s Tavern, where influential figures like George Washington once gathered centuries ago. The evening promises a journey back in time, offering a blend of history, entertainment, and camaraderie. The admission cost includes one drink ticket, and additional beverages will be available for purchase during the event. Purchase your tickets in advance at shop.alexandriava.gov/Events.