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Norfolk Health Department reports respiratory illness peak, rising syphilis rates and expansion plans
Summary
Dr. Turrah, director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health, briefed council on the department’s 2024–29 five‑year plan, current respiratory and gastrointestinal illness trends, rising sexually transmitted infection rates, vector control investments, and efforts to expand outreach and clinical services.
Dr. Turrah, director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health, told the City Council on Jan. 14 that the department is mid‑way through a 2024–2029 five‑year plan and is prioritizing respiratory surveillance, vector control modernization, expanded community services and targeted work on maternal and infant health and sexually transmitted infections.
Why it matters: The director reported seasonal peaks in influenza and RSV, ongoing COVID‑19 activity that has been smaller than prior waves, a recent rise in gastrointestinal (norovirus‑like) illness elsewhere in the region (but none reported in Norfolk), and an alarming increase in syphilis and congenital syphilis across the Eastern Region and in Norfolk. She also described planned service expansions intended to reach underserved populations.
Highlights from the briefing
- Surveillance: The department’s emergency‑room data indicate Norfolk’s current flu season is near its peak and…
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