{"id":72,"date":"2017-01-26T19:22:37","date_gmt":"2017-01-26T19:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/portsmouth\/?page_id=72"},"modified":"2026-06-26T13:34:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T17:34:45","slug":"environmental-health-services","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/portsmouth\/environmental-health-services\/","title":{"rendered":"Environmental Health Services"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The Portsmouth Health Department\u2019s Division of Environmental Health is responsible for administering environmental programs and services to reduce the incidence of environmental conditions which may adversely impact on the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of Portsmouth. Services include food establishments, tattoo\/body piercing establishments, tourist establishments, recreational waters, marina program, private wells, onsite sewage systems, rabies control program, and environmental complaints.\u00a0Enforcement of applicable city and state statues and codes occur through public education efforts as well as through legal actions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information about Environmental Health Services call (757) 393-8585, ext. 8585.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>WALK-IN HOURS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Monday \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9am-2pm<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Wednesday 11am-3pm<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Friday \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9am-2pm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table border=\"3\" cellpadding=\"4\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"background-color: #9595d2;\" colspan=\"2\">\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Fee Chart of Services<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #c1c6c8;\">\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Permits<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Fee<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Food Establishment Permit (Caterer, Group Homes, Mobile Units, Restaurants)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$40.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Food Establishment Plan Review<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$40.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border-color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Temporary Food Permit (Annual)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$40.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Body Art Permit (Tattoos, Body piercing)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$1,500.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Body Art Plan Review<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$200.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Pool\/Spa Permit (Year-round)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$75.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Pool\/Spa Permit (Seasonal)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$50.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Pools\/Spa Plan Review<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$40.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Hotel Permit<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$40.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Hotel Plan Review<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$40.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Certified Food Managers (English only)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$175.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Certified Food Managers Re-test<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$50.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Food Handlers Card<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$15.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Food Handler Class \u201coff-site\u201d \u2013 minimum of 15 participants<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$225.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Certified Pool Operator (Self-Study Course)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$50.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Certified Pool Operator (Re-Test)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$15.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Freedom of Information (FOI) Request<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Varies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Private well only<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">$300.00<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Septic Systems<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Call for fee<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>FOOD SERVICE PROGRAMS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Inspection reports for all permitted food facilities throughout Virginia can be viewed at\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/inspections.myhealthdepartment.com\/virginia\">My Health Department.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Food Establishments<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">In order to obtain your Health Department permit, we must determine compliance with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/164194\/download?attachment\"><strong>FDA Food Code<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/portsmouth\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH15.1FOFOES\"><strong>City of Portsmouth\u2019s Virginia Code of Ordinances<\/strong><\/a>. To do so, we perform a review and approval process on specific documentation prior to a pre-opening inspection. These documents include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Permit and Plan Review applications<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Proposed menu<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Certified food managers certificate(s)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">A City of Portsmouth business license<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Architectural or computer-generated floor plans (to scale) of the establishment<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Equipment specifications<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">A Certificate of Occupancy is required for newly constructed or change of use establishments. You must contact Permits and Inspections at (757) 393-8531, if this applies.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For additional information, call (757) 393-8585, ext. 8585.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Food-Establishment-Permit-Application.pdf\">Food Establishment Permit Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Food-Establishment-Plan-Review-Application.pdf\">Food Establishment Plan Review Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/How-to-Obtain-a-Health-Permit.pdf\">How to Obtain a Health Permit<\/a>\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Mobile Food Trucks, Trailers, Push Carts and Catering Services<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/HTML\/13866\/level3\/PTIICO_CH15.1FOFOES_ARTIIIMOFOES.html\"><strong>City of Portsmouth\u2019s Virginia Code of Ordinances<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0govern mobile food units, which include mobile food trucks, trailers, and push carts, are vehicles used for a variety of food preparation activities. These units and catering services must be permitted through the health department and operate daily from a commissary kitchen to facilitate food preparation, cleaning and servicing operations, food storage, and renewal of supplies. This also includes the flushing and draining of liquid waste to an approved sewerage system and water servicing equipment that is approved. All commissary kitchens must hold valid health permits through either the Virginia Department of Health or the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The vendor shall obtain written permission authorizing their use of the approved commissary and shall provide that to the health department. To promote the safe and sanitary handling of food, these mobile units and caterers are inspected, as are their commissaries. Mobile food units may be restricted to certain areas of the city due to land use and zoning requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information, call (757) 393-8585, ext. 8585<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Food-Establishment-Permit-Application.pdf\">Food Establishment Permit Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Mobile-Food-Unit-Plan-Review-Application.pdf\">Mobile Food Unit Plan Review Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Caterer-Plan-Review-Application.pdf\">Caterer Plan Review Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Commissary-Agreement-Letter.pdf\">Commissary Agreement Letter<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Mobile-Food-Truck-Guide.pdf\">Mobile Food Truck Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Group Homes<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/portsmouth\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH15.1FOFOES_ARTIVBEBRESGRHO\"><strong>City of Portsmouth\u2019s Virginia Code of Ordinances<\/strong><\/a> governs group homes, which must be permitted through the health department. A group home is considered any private or public institutional housing facility that provides living quarters and meals to 12 or fewer recipients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information, call (757) 393-8585, ext. 8585<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Food-Establishment-Permit-Application.pdf\">Food Establishment Permit Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Group-Home-Plan-Review-Application.pdf\">Group Home Plan Review Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Temporary Food Service and Outdoor Events<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Temporary permits are issued to food booths operating at a single event or celebration, such as a fair, carnival, or festival and are governed by\u00a0the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/164194\/download?attachment\"><strong>FDA Food Code<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/portsmouth\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH15.1FOFOES_ARTIIFOESGE\"><strong>City of Portsmouth\u2019s Virginia Code of Ordinances<\/strong><\/a>. If the food is not prepared and handled in a sanitary manner, the public\u2019s health may be at risk. A Temporary Food Establishment application must be submitted 10 days prior to the scheduled event for review.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information, call (757) 393-8585, ext. 8585<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Temporary-Food-Establishment-Permit-Application.pdf\">Temporary Food Establishment Permit Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Temporary-Food-Service-Establishment-Requirements.pdf\">Temporary Food Service Establishment Requirements<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Food Service Managers Education<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/164194\/download?attachment\"><strong>FDA Food Code<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/portsmouth\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH15.1FOFOES_ARTIIFOESGE_S15.1-20FOSEMAREEX\"><strong>City of Portsmouth\u2019s Virginia Code of Ordinances<\/strong><\/a> requires all food establishments to have a food service manager to act as the Person in Charge (PIC) when in operation. A food service manager is responsible for monitoring and managing all food establishment operations and is authorized to take appropriate preventive and corrective actions. This individual is knowledgeable about foodborne disease prevention, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, and Code requirements, and is prepared to take actions to ensure compliance. Environmental Health Services offers classes for manager certification and manager recertification throughout the year. The food service manager\u2019s card is valid for 5 years and should be renewed prior to expiration. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/portsmouth\/classes\/\"><strong>Click here for class information<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information, call (757) 393-8585, ext. 8585<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Food Handlers\u2019 Education <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/portsmouth\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH15.1FOFOES_ARTIIFOESGE_S15.1-19FOSECA\"><strong>City of Portsmouth\u2019s Virginia Code of Ordinances<\/strong><\/a> requires a food service (handlers\u2019) card for any person working or employed in any capacity in a food establishment. Food service cards are required prior to employment and are valid for 2 years. A food service card issued by another city may be honored. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/portsmouth\/classes\/\"><strong>Click here for class information.<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information, call (757) 393-8585, ext. 8585<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Foodborne Illness Investigation<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">\u201cFoodborne illness in the United States is a major cause of personal distress, preventable death, and avoidable economic burden\u201d as stated by the Food and Drug Administration. It has been estimated that up to 48 million people become ill from microorganisms in food, resulting in as many as 3,000 deaths annually. The wide range of cases of foodborne illness is due to the uncertainty about the number that goes unreported. The annual cost of foodborne illness in terms of pain and suffering, reduced productivity, and medical costs is estimated to be billions of dollars.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Environmental Health Services responds to all reports of suspected foodborne illnesses implicating food sold or served in the City of Portsmouth. Signs and symptoms vary, but common symptoms include vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Most cases of foodborne illness last between 24-48 hours. Symptoms generally appear between 2 to 36 hours after eating the suspected food. Most cases are single cases and not associated with large outbreaks; however, many times the health department hears about outbreaks involving groups attending the same function. For additional information on foodborne illnesses go to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/food-safety\/\"><strong>CDC<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/food\"><strong>FDA<\/strong><\/a> websites. Our goals are to identify the foods responsible for the illness, collect accurate and complete information from the people involved, collect samples of the suspected food, when possible and appropriate, identify possible contributing factors, and correct the improper food handling practices that may have contributed to the illness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">When reporting a suspected foodborne illness, the following information will be needed: contact information, name and location of facility where suspected meal or food item was obtained, date and time meal consumed, onset of symptoms, description of symptoms, a 72 hour food history (to include all foods and beverages consumed in the 3 days prior to the first sign of illness), and the names and phone numbers of others that have become ill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>To file a complaint concerning a food-related illness, visit\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/foodborne-illness-report\/\">My Meal Detective<\/a>\u00a0<strong>\u00a0or call (757) 393-8585, ext. 8585<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Public Swimming Pools &amp; Spas<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">All public pools, spas and splash parks are inspected while in operation to ensure bather safety according to rules and regulations. Environmental Health Specialists conduct tests on water samples and ensure pools are properly constructed and maintained.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Swimming pools can be the source of many diseases and injuries. The proper construction and maintenance of public swimming venues is of significant public health importance. The Portsmouth Health Department hosts annual pool seminars in the spring of each year with the goal of educating and certifying swimming pool operators. Basic knowledge of water treatment for swimming pools and the ability to perform the chemical tests necessary to maintain safe water quality are covered. The code requires that a certified pool operator manages the operation of the pool and that there be posting of water quality test results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Recreational swimming pool\/spa regulations can be found in the <a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/portsmouth\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH34SWPO\">City of Portsmouth\u2019s Virginia Code of Ordinances<\/a>\u00a0and State regulations (\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter460\/\">12VAC5-460<\/a>\u00a0\/\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter462\/\">12VAC5-462<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Recreational-Water-Establishment-Permit-Application.pdf\">Recreational Water Establishment Permit Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Recreational-Water-Establishment-Plan-Review-Application.pdf\">Recreational Water Establishment Plan Review Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2017\/04\/FecalIncidentResponse.pdf\"><strong>Fecal Incident Response Checklist<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2017\/04\/PoolChecklist05042016.pdf\"><strong>Opening Inspections Checklist Requirements for Public Pools, SPAs and Hot Tubs<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2017\/04\/Pool-Tips-for-Healthful-Swimming.pdf\"><strong>Pool Tips for Healthful Swimming<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Please see class schedule for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/portsmouth\/classes\/\"><strong>pool operator certification<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information call (757) 393-8585, ext. 8585<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Body Art Establishments<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Body Art includes tattooing, permanent makeup and piercing. In the City of Portsmouth, body art establishments are required to be permitted each year and inspected on a regular basis. Body Art and Piercing Inspections are based on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/HTML\/13866\/level3\/PTIICO_CH3AM_ARTIIIBOAR.html\"><strong>City of Portsmouth\u2019s Virginia Code of Ordinances<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Body-Art-Permit-Application.pdf\">Body Art Permit Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Body-Artist-Permit-Application.pdf\">Body Artist Permit Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Body-Art-Plan-Review-Application.pdf\">Body Art Plan Review Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Exposure-Control-Plan.pdf\">Exposure Control Plan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Considering-Body-Art.pdf\">Considering Body Art<\/a>\u201d <\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/How-to-Obtain-Body-Art-Establishment-Body-Artist-Permits.pdf\">How to Obtain Body Art Establishment Body Artist Permits<\/a>\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information, call (757)393-8585 ext. 8585.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Tourist Establishments<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Tourist Establishments include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, summer camps and campgrounds. These facilities are inspected to determine compliance with health and safety laws, governed by Commonwealth of Virginia Rules and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter431\/\"><strong>Regulations<\/strong><\/a>, and to initiate enforcement procedures when necessary. Permits are issued annually for the lodging facility. Additional permits may be issued for on-site restaurants, continental breakfasts, swimming pools and spas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information, call (757)393-8585 ext. 8585.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Hotel-Establishment-Permit-Application.pdf\">Hotel Establishment Permit Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Hotel-Establishment-Plan-Review-Application.pdf\">Hotel Establishment Plan Review Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Lead Poisoning Prevention Program<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Services of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/leadsafe\/\"><strong>Lead Program<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0include screening, education and environmental samples, medical and environmental case management. Because children from six months through six years of age are most susceptible to lead poisoning, the program focuses on working with physicians to provide blood lead screening for all children from six months to six years of age and in teaching contractors and property owners to make houses lead-safe before children are poisoned.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information, call (757)393-8585 ext. 8585.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Marina Sanitation<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The Commonwealth of Virginia has sanitary<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/EnvironmentalHealth\/ONSITE\/MARINA\/documents\/regs.pdf\"><strong>\u00a0regulations<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0for marinas and boat moorings. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/EnvironmentalHealth\/ONSITE\/MARINA\/documents\/regs.pdf\"><strong>regulations<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0establish minimum requirements as to adequacy of sewerage facilities serving the boat slips, as well as the people the marinas are designed to accommodate. The Division of Shellfish Safety and Waterborne Hazards reviews the technical aspects of applications, plans and specifications, and issue certificates of adequacy for sewerage facilities. The Marine Resources Commission is notified when a certificate is issued or denied. The local Office of Environmental Health inspects for compliance with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/EnvironmentalHealth\/ONSITE\/MARINA\/documents\/regs.pdf\"><strong>regulations<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness of the facility and issue Certificates to Operate (CTO).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information, call (757)393-8585 ext. 8585.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacodepopularnames\/virginia-freedom-of-information-act\/\">Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located \u00a7 2.2-3700<\/a>\u00a0et. seq. of the Code of Virginia guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees. To initiate a request, please use <a href=\"https:\/\/vdh.nextrequest.com\/\">NextRequest<\/a>. A fee may be charged.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">For additional information, please email\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:PHD-EHstaff@vdh.virginia.gov\">PHD-EHstaff@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a>,\u00a0\u00a0<strong>call (757) 383-8585, ext. 8585<\/strong>, or visit the Virginia Department of Health\u2019s main FOIA webpage at\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/commissioner\/administration\/freedom-of-information-act\/\">https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/commissioner\/administration\/freedom-of-information-act\/<\/a>.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Private Wells<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The Environmental Health Services review and issue permits for proposed sites of private wells. This ensures the wells are properly located at a safe distance from potential sources of contamination to protect the consumer and groundwater supply. Types of wells include, but are not limited to drinking water, irrigation, geothermal, and industrial. Additional requirements may be imposed if the proposed volume of water to be withdrawn exceeds 300,000 gallons per month.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information, call (757) 393-8585, ext. 8585<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Express-Class-IV-Well-Permit-Application.pdf\">Express Class IV Well Permit Application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Express-Geothermal-Heat-Pump-Well-Permit-application.pdf\">Express Geothermal Heat Pump Well Permit application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Private Wells Links<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Have you recently had your well water tested and want to know what the results mean? If so, you\u2019ve come to the right place. The Well-Informed Virginia drinking water interpretation tool has been created to help private well owners and users in Virginia understand water test results to determine whether their family\u2019s health may be at risk and, if so, available options for response.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Be Well Virginia<\/strong>:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu\/well-informed-virginia.php\">https:\/\/www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu\/well-informed-virginia.php<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The Virginia Department of Health DOES NOT require activities in conjunction with the buying or selling of property with private wells. However, during real estate transactions involving properties with private wells, questions often arise from buyers, sellers, and lenders.\u00a0 In response, the Office of Environmental Health Services is pleased to offer this FAQ sheet.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>Real estate transactions FAQs<\/strong>:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/real-estate-transfer-faq\/\">http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/real-estate-transfer-faq\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Rabies Control Program<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What is rabies?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Rabies is a deadly viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and other warm-blooded animals. Rabies is termed a zoonosis, which means a disease that is usually transmitted from animals to other animals but can also be transmitted to humans through the bite of a rabid animal. Once inside the body, the virus replicates in the bitten muscle and travels up the nerves to reach the central nervous system and brain where most of the clinical symptoms occur. Until the virus reaches the brain there are usually no symptoms. Once acquired and left untreated, rabies is 100% fatal. Human rabies cases in the U.S. currently average two cases per year. Cases of rabies in domestic pets average 400 to 500 per year. The <a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/portsmouth\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH4AN_ARTIVRACO_S4-96VADOCA\">Portsmouth City Code\u00a0Sec. 4-96<\/a>. \u2013 Vaccination of dogs and cats \u2013 requires any person who owns, keeps, harbors or has in his care, custody or control, any dog or cat four months old or older to be vaccinated against rabies within a period of 12 months, if such dog or cat has been vaccinated or inoculated by the one-year vaccine or within a period of 36 months if such dog or cat has been vaccinated or inoculated by the three-year vaccine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What animals can get rabies?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">All species of mammals are susceptible to rabies virus infection, but only a few species are important as reservoirs for the disease. In the United States, distinct strains of rabies virus have been identified in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. Several species of bats are also reservoirs for strains of the rabies virus.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Cats, dogs, ferrets and livestock can also get rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect them. Deer and large rodents, such as woodchucks, have been found rabid in areas affected by raccoon rabies.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Some animals rarely get rabies. These include wild rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, rats, mice, guinea pigs, gerbils and hamsters. There are other animals that never get rabies including birds, snakes, fish, turtles, lizards and insects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What are the signs of animals with rabies?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The time between the exposure and the appearance of symptoms is called the incubation period and it may last for weeks to months. A bite by an animal during the incubation period\u00a0<strong>does not\u00a0<\/strong>carry a risk of the disease because the virus has not yet made it to the saliva. It is late in the disease, after the virus has reached the brain and multiplied causing brain inflammation, when the virus moves from the brain to the salivary glands and saliva.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Also at this time, after the virus has multiplied in the brain, almost all animals begin to show the first signs of rabies. Most of these signs are obvious to even an untrained observer, but within a short period of time, usually within 3 to 5 days, the virus has caused enough damage to the brain so that the animal begins to show unmistakable signs of rabies.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The first sign of rabies is usually a change in the animal\u2019s behavior. It may become unusually aggressive or unusually tame. The animal may lose fear of people and natural enemies. It may become excited, irritable and snap at anything in its path. Or it may appear affectionate and friendly. Staggering, convulsions, spitting, choking, frothing at the mouth and paralysis are sometimes noted. Many animals have a marked change in voice. The animal usually dies within one week after showing signs of rabies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">** <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Attachment-7a-Dog-Cat-Ferret-Exposed.pdf\">Attachment-7a-Dog-Cat-Ferret-Exposed<\/a> **<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #993300;\">What should you do if you think you are potentially exposed to rabies?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The rabies virus is transmitted through saliva or brain\/nervous system tissue. You can only get rabies by encountering these specific bodily excretions and tissues such as when the virus is introduced into a bite wound, open cuts in skin, or onto mucous membranes such as the mouth or eyes. \u00a0Any penetration of the skin by teeth constitutes a bite exposure. The contamination of open wounds, abrasions, mucous membranes, or theoretically, scratches (potentially contaminated with infectious material from a rabid animal) constitutes a non-bite exposure.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Contact such as petting or handling an animal, or contact with blood, urine or feces does not constitute an exposure. No post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed in these situations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Even if an apparently healthy domestic dog, cat, ferret or other domestic animal bites a person, the animal must be confined to limited contact with other humans\/animals and observed for ten days following the bite. \u00a0<strong>The <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/portsmouth\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH4AN_ARTIVRACO_S4-98QUCEAN\"><strong>Portsmouth City Code<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<strong>Sec. 4-98<\/strong><\/a><strong>. \u2013 Quarantine of certain animals \u2013 requires\u00a0the keeping of any animal under such conditions of reasonable security, confinement, or strict isolation as may be determined by the director of public health to be necessary or desirable in the interest of public health and safety<\/strong>.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Dogs, cats and ferrets that bite humans or other animals should be considered suspect rabid until the end of the 10 day quarantine\/observation period.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>If it remains healthy during this period, the animal did not transmit rabies at the time of the bite. All wild animals must be tested for rabies (if possible) if human or domestic animal exposures have occurred. Report all animal bites to Portsmouth\u2019s Environmental Health Services.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>The Environmental Health Services division conducts investigations of\u00a0all\u00a0reported animal and human exposures. Contact the Portsmouth Health Department at (757) 393-8585 ext. 8585<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">** <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/Attachment-7c-Human-Exposed-to-Domestic-Animals.pdf\">Attachment 7c-Human-Exposed-to-Domestic-Animals<\/a> **<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Why a 10-day quarantine?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">In Portsmouth, as mentioned above, an animal that has bitten a human or another domestic animal must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period. Usually, the Portsmouth Health Department will allow the quarantine to be carried out at the owner\u2019s home.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The quarantine is set at 10 days because a rabies-infected animal can only transmit the disease\u00a0after\u00a0clinical signs have developed. \u00a0Once these signs have developed, the animal will die within 10 days.\u00a0If the animal lives beyond the 10th day, it can be said with certainty that it was not shedding the rabies virus at the time that the bite occurred.\u00a0\u00a0If the animal dies before the 10th day, it can be tested for rabies.\u00a0<strong>If the test is positive, a human bite victim will still have enough time to receive post-exposure vaccinations and prevent the disease<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Why a 6-month quarantine?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/portsmouth\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH4AN_ARTIVRACO_S4-98QUCEAN\"><strong>Sec. 4-98<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>also states that in Portsmouth, an\u00a0unvaccinated\u00a0domestic animal that has been bitten by a wild animal or that has received a suspected bite wound of unknown origin must undergo a six-month rabies quarantine. Most often, this quarantine can be carried out in an approved fenced enclosure at the owner\u2019s expense. Because the incubation period for rabies is usually less than six months, this quarantine period is meant to ensure that the animal does not have rabies before it is allowed to come into regular contact with humans and other animals again.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">If an owner is unable to comply with this law or cannot afford to pay for the mandatory six-month quarantine, the only alternative for the pet is mandatory euthanasia and testing for rabies.\u00a0Keeping your pet\u2019s rabies vaccination up to date will ensure that he never needs to be quarantined for six months, even if he is bitten by a wild animal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>When should I seek medical attention?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention as soon as possible by visiting your doctor or a health care facility. Regardless of the risk of rabies, bite wounds can cause serious injury such as nerve or tendon laceration and local and system infection. Your doctor will determine the best way to care for your wound and will also consider how to treat the wound for the best possible cosmetic results. If the animal can be confined, wait until the end of the confinement period before considering post exposure prophylaxis (PEP).<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>If a rabies-suspect biting animal cannot be observed or tested, or it tests positive for rabies, PEP treatment should begin immediately.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What if my pet is exposed to a rabid animal?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">If your pet has been in a fight with another animal, wear gloves to handle it. Isolate it from other animals. Call your veterinarian and\u00a0Portsmouth Environmental Health Services. Your vaccinated pet will need a booster immunization with rabies vaccine within five days of the exposure. Unvaccinated animals exposed to a known or suspected rabid animal must be confined for six months or humanely destroyed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What can people do to protect themselves against rabies?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Don\u2019t feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats. Be sure your dogs, cats and ferrets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid wildlife and man. Protect them, and you may reduce your risk of exposure to rabies. Vaccines for dogs, cats and ferrets after three months of age are effective for a one-year period. Re-vaccinations in dogs and cats are effective for up to three years. Pets too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors. Some new vaccines have now been licensed, and therefore, can be used for younger animals. Keep family pets indoors at night. Don\u2019t leave them outside unattended or let them roam free. Don\u2019t attract wild animals to your home or yard. Keep your property free of stored bird seeds or other foods which may attract wild animals. Feed pets indoors. Tightly cap or put away garbage cans. Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap your chimney with screens.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bats can be particularly difficult to keep out of buildings because they can get through cracks as small as a pencil. Methods to keep bats out (bat proof) of homes and summer camps should be done during the fall and winter. Encourage children to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten by any animal. Tell children not to touch any animal they do not know.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What to do if a wild animal is on your property?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">If a wild animal is on your property, contact an animal control officer to remove animal. Do not touch any animal or encounter any animal that appears to be sick. Observe the animal from a distance so you can alert animal control to its whereabouts for capture. Report all animal bites or contact with wild animals to the Portsmouth Health Department. Depending on the species, it can be observed or tested for rabies to avoid the need for rabies treatment. This includes bats with skin contact or found in a room with a sleeping person, unattended child, or someone with mental impairment. Bats have small, sharp teeth and in certain circumstances people can be bitten and do not know it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Where can I get more information about rabies?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Call the Portsmouth Health Department, Environmental Health, at (757) 393-8585 ext. 8585. And the CDC website:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rabies\/index.html\"><strong>http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rabies\/index.html<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Rabies control regulations can be accessed by going to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/HTML\/13866\/level3\/PTIICO_CH4AN_ARTIVRACO.html\"><strong>City of Portsmouth\u2019s Virginia Code of Ordinances<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Vector Control<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong>** Please note that the Portsmouth Health Dept does not conduct any vector control (i.e. rodent, mosquito, bedbugs) investigations\/abatements for residential properties. **<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>RAT FACTS<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Rats are among man\u2019s worst animal pests due to their abundance, destructiveness, and potential for disease transmission.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">They destroy millions of dollars\u2019 worth of property each year and consume and contaminate food.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Rats bite people and are hosts to ectoparasites including fleas, mites, and ticks that transmit disease from rats to man.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">While plague is historically the most infamous disease spread by rats, other possible diseases include rat bite fever, salmonellosis, murine typhus, and leptospirosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>SIGNS OF RAT INFESTATION:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Gnawing on boxes or containers of easily accessible food along runways and burrows.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Runways (rub marks or paths frequented by rats)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Burrows along the foundation of a house or other dwelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Droppings (small, pellet shaped) in areas frequented by rats<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>RAT HARBORAGE AND FOOD<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Rats will eat a variety of sources:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Leftovers, dirty dishes, and garbage<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Stored foods (ex: boxes of cereal)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Pet foods and dog droppings<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Grass seed and bird feed<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Fallen or rotten fruit<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Rats live in a variety of places:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Garbage<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">High grass and weeds<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Junk, wood, and junk cars<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Your house, garage, or shed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Rat control regulations can be accessed by going to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/HTML\/13866\/level2\/PTIICO_CH23NU.html\">City of Portsmouth\u2019s Virginia Code of Ordinances<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>MOSQUITO AND WEST NILE FACTS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Citizens can prevent mosquitoes from breeding by turning over or removing containers around the home where rainwater is collected, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets, and toys. Citizens also are advised to clean birdbaths and wading pools once a week, to clean roof gutters and downspouts screens regularly, and eliminate standing water on flat roofs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Citizens can protect themselves from mosquitoes while outside by wearing long, loose and light-colored clothing. Use insect repellent products with 20-30% DEET for adults and less than 10% for children. Follow label instructions when using insect repellents.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What is West Nile virus infection?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The West Nile virus infection is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes and usually causes a mild illness but may also cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). This virus is named after the West Nile region of Uganda where the virus was first isolated in 1937. It caused an outbreak in New York in 1999.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Who gets West Nile virus infection?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Anyone can get West Nile virus infection if bitten by an infected mosquito. However, even in areas where the transmission of West Nile virus is known to be occurring, only a small proportion of mosquitoes are likely to be infected. Even if a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, the chance of developing illness is approximately 1\/200. People who are over 50 years old are at greater risk of severe illness.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>How is West Nile virus spread?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes. A mosquito is infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. West Nile virus does not spread from one person to another or directly from birds to humans.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">I\u2019ve gotten a mosquito bite. Should I be tested for West Nile virus infection?\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">No, most mosquitoes are not infected with West Nile virus. See a physician if you develop the symptoms below.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What are the symptoms of West Nile virus infection?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The disease may be mild or serious. Mild illnesses include fever and muscle aches, swollen lymph glands and sometimes a skin rash. In the elderly, infection may spread to the nervous system or bloodstream and cause sudden fever, intense headache, and stiff neck and confusion, possibly resulting in encephalitis or meningitis. Healthy children and adults may not have any symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The symptoms generally appear about 3 to 15 days after exposure but may appear as soon as 1 day after exposure or as late as 7 or more days.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Does past infection with West Nile virus make a person immune?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Yes, a person who gets West Nile virus is unlikely to get it again.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What is the treatment for West Nile virus infection? Is there a vaccine for West Nile virus?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">There is no specific treatment. Supportive therapy will be used in more severe cases. Most people recover from this illness. There is no vaccine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>How can West Nile virus infection be prevented?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">It can be prevented by controlling the mosquito population and protecting against mosquito bites.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Use insect repellent products with 20-30% DEET for adults and less than 10 percent for children.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Turn over or remove containers in your yard where water collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets and toys.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Clean out birdbaths and wading pools once a week.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Clean roof gutters and downspout screens<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Where can I get more information on West Nile virus?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Call your local health department or visit the following web sites.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/west-nile-virus\/?utm_source=longmontleader&amp;utm_campaign=longmontleader%3A%20outbound&amp;utm_medium=referral\">West Nile Virus | CDC<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">VDH Office of Epidemiology:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/\">Epidemiology<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">American Mosquito Control Association:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mosquito.org\/\">Home &#8211; American Mosquito Control Association<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Mosquito control regulations can be accessed by going to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/HTML\/13866\/level2\/PTIICO_CH23NU.html\">City of Portsmouth\u2019s Virginia Code of Ordinances<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>BED BUG FACTS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What are bed bugs?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range from 1mm to 7mm (roughly the size of Lincoln\u2019s head on a penny), and can live several months without a blood meal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Where are bed bugs found?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bed bugs are found across the globe from North and South America, to Africa, Asia and Europe. Although the presence of bed bugs has traditionally been seen as a problem in developing countries, it has recently been spreading rapidly in parts of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe. Bed bugs have been found in five-star hotels and resorts, and their presence is not determined by the cleanliness of the living conditions where they are found.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bed bug infestations usually occur around or near areas where people sleep. These areas include apartments, shelters, rooming houses, hotels, cruise ships, buses, trains, and dorm rooms. They hide during the day in places such as seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, or any other clutter or objects around a bed. Bed bugs have been shown to be able to travel over 100 feet in a night but tend to live within 8 feet of where people sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Do bed bugs spread disease?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bed bugs should not be considered as a medical or public health hazard. Bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Sometimes itching can lead to excessive scratching that can sometimes increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What health risks do bed bugs pose?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">A bed bug bite affects each person differently. Bite responses can range from an absence of any physical signs of the bite, to a small bite mark, to a serious allergic reaction. Bed bugs are not considered to be dangerous; however, an allergic reaction to several bites may need medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>What are the signs and symptoms of a bed bug infestation?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is by the tell-tale bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body parts while sleeping. However, these bite marks may take as long as 14 days to develop in some people, so it is important to look for other clues when determining if bed bugs have infested an area. These signs include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bed bugs\u2019 exoskeletons after molting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bed bugs in the fold of mattresses and sheets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Rusty\u2013colored blood spots due to their blood-filled fecal material that they excrete on the mattress or nearby furniture, and\u00a0a sweet musty odor.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>How do I know if I\u2019ve been bitten by a bed bug?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">It is hard to tell if you\u2019ve been bitten by a bed bug unless you find bed bugs or signs of infestation. When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from realizing they are being bitten. Most people do not realize they have been bitten until bite marks appear anywhere from one to several days after the initial bite. The bite marks are like that of a mosquito or a flea \u2014 a slightly swollen and red area that may itch and be irritating. The bite marks may be random or appear in a straight line. Other symptoms of bed bug bites include insomnia, anxiety, and skin problems that arise from profuse scratching of the bites.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Because bed bug bites affect everyone differently, some people may have no reaction and will not develop bite marks or any other visible signs of being bitten. Other people may be allergic to bed bugs and can react adversely to the bites. These allergic symptoms can include enlarged bite marks, painful swellings at the bite site, and, on rare occasions, anaphylaxis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>How did I get bed bugs?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bed bugs are experts at hiding. Their slim flat bodies allow them to fit into the smallest of spaces and stay there for long periods of time, even without a blood meal. Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel. The bed bugs travel in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding, furniture, and anywhere else where they can hide. Most people do not realize they are transporting stow-away bed bugs as they travel from location to location, infecting areas as they travel. Contrary to popular opinion, bed bugs do not jump on people as they are walking through a room.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Who is at risk of getting bed bugs?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Everyone is at risk of getting bed bugs when visiting an infected area. However, anyone who travels frequently and shares living and sleeping quarters where other people have previously slept has a higher risk of being bitten and\/or spreading a bed bug infestation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>How are bed bugs treated and prevented?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bed bug bites usually do not pose a serious medical threat. The best way to treat a bite is to avoid scratching the area and apply antiseptic creams or lotions and take an antihistamine. Bed bug infestations are commonly treated by insecticide spraying. If you suspect that you have an infestation, contact your landlord or professional pest control company that is experienced with treating bed bugs. The best way to prevent bed bugs is regular inspection for the signs of an infestation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Can you treat and eliminate the bed bugs on your own?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bed bugs are challenging pests to get rid of, since they hide so well and reproduce so quickly. In addition, the egg stage is resistant to many forms of treatment, so a single attempt may not be sufficient to complete the job. Treating bed bugs is complex. Your likelihood of success depends on many factors, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Extent of the infestation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Site-specific challenges.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Neighbors with infestations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Ability of all residents to participate.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Achieving complete control can take weeks to months, depending on the nature and extent of the infestation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>How do I keep the infestation from spreading?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Anything removed from the room should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and treated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Items that cannot be treated should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and left for an extended period to ensure any active bugs are dead (research shows variation in the length of time needed, but it can be as long as a year).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Empty the vacuum after each use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Seal the bag\u00a0and throw it out in an outdoor trash container.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Don\u2019t discard furniture if you can eliminate the bed bugs from it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">If furniture cannot be salvaged, discard it responsibly. Destroy it so someone else won\u2019t be tempted to bring it into their home. For example:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Remove covers and stuffing from furniture items.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Use spray paint to mark furniture with \u201cBed Bugs.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Take steps to have infested items picked up as soon as possible by the trash collection agency.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Do I need to do anything before treatment?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Jumping straight into control is tempting but won\u2019t work. Preparing for treatment is essential to getting successful control. It will also help by making it easier for you to monitor bed bugs that haven\u2019t been eliminated. This preparation should be conducted whether you are doing the treatment yourself or hiring a professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>How can I kill bed bugs?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Make sure the methods you select are safe, effective and legal. See\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/bedbugs\/do-it-yourself-bed-bug-control\">Do-it-yourself Bed Bug Control | US EPA<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Consider\u00a0<strong>non-chemical methods <\/strong>of killing bed bugs. Some will be more useful than others.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Heat treatment\u00a0using a clothes dryer on high heat, black plastic bags in the sun or a hot, closed car (pest management professionals have other methods that are not suitable for non-trained individuals to use).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Cold treatment can be successful in the home environment if the freezer is set to 0\u00b0F. You must leave the items in the freezer at that temperature for four days. (Always use a thermometer to check the temperature, since home freezers are not always set to 0\u00b0F.)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Reducing the numbers of bugs with these and other non-chemical methods is helpful but is unlikely to eliminate the infestation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">If needed, use pesticides\u00a0carefully\u00a0according to the label directions or hire a pest management professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Look for EPA-registered pesticides.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bed bugs must be listed on the label.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Use foggers (bug bombs) only with extreme care. Improper use can harm your health or cause a fire\/explosion.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Because foggers work with a broadcast spraying action, they should not be used as the sole source of bed bug control.\u00a0The spray will not reach the cracks and crevices where bed bugs hide.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Every few days after you complete your initial cleanup and control processes, carefully look for any evidence of bed bugs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">If you see bed bugs, that means that either the initial cleanup missed some individuals or that eggs have hatched (finding and removing or killing all eggs can be very difficult) and retreatment may be needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">If repeated treatments are needed, consider using pesticides with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/bedbugs\/pesticides-control-bed-bugs\">Pesticides to Control Bed Bugs | US EPA<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Desiccants (drying agents) can be particularly effective in some situations since they work by drying out the bug (which means the bed bugs can\u2019t develop resistance to it).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">If using desiccants, be sure to use only products registered as a pesticide.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Do not use pool or food-grade diatomaceous earth \u2013 this type of diatomaceous earth can harm you when you breathe it in. The pesticide version uses a different size of diatoms, which reduces the hazard.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Desiccants can be very effective; however, they can take up to several months to work.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bed bug interceptor (place under furniture legs to catch bed bugs)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>How do I evaluate and prevent re-infestation?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Continue to inspect for presence of bed bugs, at least every 7\u00a0days, in case any eggs remain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Interceptors (placed under the legs of furniture to catch bed bugs and keep them from climbing the legs; commercial and do-it-yourself versions available), traps or other methods of monitoring can be used.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Continue to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/bedbugs\/local-resources-bed-bug-assistance\">Local Resources for Bed Bug Assistance | US EPA<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">For additional information, please see:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bedbugs.umn.edu\/bed-bug-control-in-residences\/\">Bed Bug Control in Residences<\/a>\u2014 University of Minnesota<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ipm.ucdavis.edu\/PMG\/PESTNOTES\/pn7454.html\">Bed Bugs Integrated Pest Management in and Around the Home<\/a>\u2014 University of California<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Informational Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncidod\/dvbid\/westnile\/index.htm\"><strong>CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention West Nile Virus<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mosquito-va.org\/\"><strong>VMCA Virginia Mosquito Control Association<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/pesticides\/\"><strong>EPA-Environmental Protection Agency-Pesticides<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdacs.virginia.gov\/\"><strong>VDACS-Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Additional Links related to Food Safety, Entomology and Government<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">American Mosquito Control Association\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.mosquito.org\/\"><strong>mosquito.org\/<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Gateway to Government Food Safety\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.foodsafety.gov\/\"><strong>foodsafety.gov\/<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Food and Drug Administration\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.fda.gov\/\"><strong>fda.gov\/<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">US Department of Agriculture\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.usda.gov\/\"><strong>usda.gov\/<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Federal Emergency Management Agency\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.fema.gov\/\"><strong>fema.gov\/<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/\"><strong>cdc.gov\/<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">City of Portsmouth\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.Portsmouthva.gov\/\"><strong>Portsmouthva.gov\/<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Virginia Department of Health <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\"><strong>vdh.virginia.gov<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">National Environmental Health Association\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.neha.org\/\"><strong>neha.org\/<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">The Partnership for Food Safety Education\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.fightbac.org\/\"><strong>www.fightbac.org<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Portsmouth Health Department\u2019s Division of Environmental Health is responsible for administering environmental programs and services to reduce the incidence of environmental conditions which may adversely impact on the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of Portsmouth. Services include food establishments, tattoo\/body piercing establishments, tourist establishments, recreational waters, marina program, private wells, onsite sewage [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-72","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Environmental Health Services - Portsmouth Health District<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/portsmouth\/environmental-health-services\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Environmental Health Services - Portsmouth Health District\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Portsmouth Health Department\u2019s Division of Environmental Health is responsible for administering environmental programs and services to reduce the incidence of environmental conditions which may adversely impact on the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of Portsmouth. 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