Dr. Maria Almond, Measles Update & VDH Public Health Talk - The Call Flo Show! | July 9, 2026

🎙️ It’s a Thursday morning on The Call Flo Show as Chris Wood welcomes Dr. Maria Almond, District Health Director for the Piedmont Health District, into the Francis E. Wood Studio. Dr. Almond joins the show to discuss the measles outbreak affecting the Buckingham and Cumberland area, explain how measles spreads, and share what families can do to protect themselves and their children. 🌟 Highlights from Today’s Show 🩺 Dr. Maria Almond Joins the Show Dr. Maria Almond, District Health Director for the Piedmont Health District, talks about her path from psychiatry into public health and her work serving seven counties across the region, including Prince Edward, Buckingham, Cumberland, Amelia, Charlotte, Lunenburg, and Nottoway. 🚨 Measles Outbreak Update Dr. Almond explains that the local measles outbreak is now affecting the Buckingham-Cumberland area and stresses that measles is one of the most contagious illnesses public health officials deal with. 😷 How Measles Spreads Chris asks how easily someone can catch measles, and Dr. Almond explains that an infected person can leave a room and the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours, putting unvaccinated people at risk. 🤒 Measles Symptoms Dr. Almond walks through the early signs of measles, including headache, feeling run down, low-grade fever, high fever, rash, and other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. 🏥 Serious Health Risks The conversation covers why measles is not just a simple childhood illness. Dr. Almond explains that measles can lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, ear infections, deafness, encephalitis, and long-term weakening of the immune system. 💉 MMR Vaccine Information Dr. Almond explains the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, including why two doses are recommended and how effective the vaccine is at preventing illness. 👶 Protecting Children and Vulnerable People The show discusses why high vaccination rates matter, especially for infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people who may not be able to receive the vaccine themselves. 🏫 Schools and Vaccination Rates Dr. Almond says local school systems have helped notify families and encourage vaccination updates, especially in areas where measles is circulating. 📍 Where to Get Vaccinated Listeners are encouraged to contact their local health department, pediatrician, provider, or pharmacy about MMR vaccination. Dr. Almond also mentions vaccination clinic days in Prince Edward, Cumberland, and Buckingham. 🌐 VDH Measles Dashboard Dr. Almond points listeners to the Virginia Department of Health measles page for outbreak updates, symptoms, vaccine guidance, and current case numbers. 📞 Henry Fulcher Calls In Henry calls in with jokes about television antennas, invisible couples, butter beans, marriage, and sugar cookies before sharing a personal story from his childhood polio recovery. 💙 Henry’s Polio Story Henry reflects on being in an iron lung in 1950 and later discovering the identity of the man who helped him after he fell from his wheelchair at MCV Hospital. 📞 New Caller Mike from Pamplin A new caller, Mike from Pamplin, asks about WFLO’s coverage of the local data center meeting and where to find the videos online. Noah explains that WFLO posted multiple data center reels on YouTube. 🚦 Roundabout Talk The conversation turns briefly to the proposed roundabout at High Street, Oak Street, and Griffin Boulevard, with Noah joking about how long he has been stuck at that light. 📞 Betty Ike Calls In Betty Ike calls to let the station know that Mayor Brian Vincent was not at the recent council meeting and that Vice Mayor Reed led the meeting in his place. 🍪 National Sugar Cookie Day Chris marks National Sugar Cookie Day and talks about the simple ingredients that make sugar cookies a classic, especially during the holidays. 😊 National Dimples Day The show also touches on National Dimples Day, with Chris checking the studio for dimples and the crew joking about wrinkles, facial hair, and expressive foreheads. 📻 Public Health, Local Calls and Community Updates From measles prevention and vaccination guidance to Henry’s story, data center videos, local government updates, sugar cookies, and classic studio banter, this episode keeps the community informed and connected. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of The Call Flo Show 📞 Call in weekdays from 8 to 9 AM at 434-394-0924