{"id":61,"date":"2016-12-14T17:21:03","date_gmt":"2016-12-14T17:21:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/chesapeake\/?page_id=61"},"modified":"2026-02-03T17:21:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T21:21:35","slug":"environmental-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/chesapeake\/environmental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Environmental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Chesapeake Health District\u2019s Division of Environmental Health is dedicated to protecting the public and environment through accountability to our community by providing educational outreach and ensuring regulated programs are maintaining compliance.\u00a0 The Environmental Health Services aims to protect, promote, and sustain population health through community presence, educational outreach, and accountability to all stakeholders. Services include food establishments, campgrounds, summer camps, massage establishments, tattoo\/body piercing establishments, tourist establishments, recreational waters, marina program, private wells, onsite sewage systems, rabies control program, and environmental complaints.\u00a0 <strong>For more information about our services, fees, processes, or other questions, please call\u00a0(757) 382-8672.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"fee\" style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #993300;\"><strong>Fee Charts for Environmental Health Services <\/strong><em>(Fees may change)<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"width: 450px;\" border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"3\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #00245d; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>PERMITS<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #00245d; width: 100px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>FEE<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Body Art (tattoo, body piercing)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$1,200\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Body Art Plan Review<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$200\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Restaurants \/ Mobile Units<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$40\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Restaurants \/ Mobile Units Plan Review<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$40\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Temporary Food (calendar year)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$40\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Massage Therapy<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$40\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Massage Therapy Plan Review<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$40\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Hotel \/ Motel<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$40\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Hotel \/ Motel Plan Review<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$40\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Pools \/ Spas (seasonal)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$50\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Pools \/ Spas (year round)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$75\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Pools \/ Spas Plan Review<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$80\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Certified Pool Operator (self-study course)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$100\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Certified Pool Operator (re-test)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$20\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Campgrounds<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$40\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Campgrounds Plan Review<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$40\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"3\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #00245d; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #ffffff;\"><strong>ONSITE SEWAGE SYSTEM \/ PRIVATE WELL APPLICATIONS<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #00245d; width: 100px; text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #ffffff;\"><strong>FEE<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Certification letter with OSE\/PE documentation,\u00a0 <u>&lt;<\/u>\u00a01,000 gpd<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$320\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Certification letter with OSE\/PE documentation, &gt; 1,000 gpd<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$1,400\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Construction permit for onsite sewage system only,\u00a0 <u>&lt;<\/u>\u00a01,000 gpd no OSE\/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$425\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Construction permit for onsite sewage system only,\u00a0 <u>&lt;<\/u>\u00a01,000 gpd with OSE\/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$225\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Combined well and onsite sewage system construction permit,\u00a0 <u>&lt;<\/u>\u00a01,000 gpd no OSE\/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$725\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Combined well and onsite sewage system construction permit,\u00a0 <u>&lt;\u00a0<\/u>1,000 gpd with OSE\/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$525\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Construction permit for onsite sewage system only, &gt; 1,000 with OSE\/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$1,400\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Combined well and onsite sewage system construction permit, &gt;1,000 with OSE\/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$1,700\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Private well construction or abandonment permit, with or without OSE\/PE\/Well Driller documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$300\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Closed-loop geothermal well system (one fee per well system) with or without OSE\/PE\/Well Driller documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$300\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Alternative discharge system inspection fee<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$75\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Minor modification of an existing onsite sewage system with or without OSE\/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$100\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Appeal before the Review Board<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$135\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Repair permit for an onsite sewage system,\u00a0 <u>&lt;<\/u>\u00a01,000 gpd without OSE\/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$425\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Repair permit for an onsite sewage system,\u00a0 <u>&lt;<\/u>\u00a01,000 gpd with OSE\/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$225\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Repair permit for an onsite sewage system, &gt; 1,000 gpd with OSE\/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$1,400\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Voluntary upgrade for an onsite sewage system,\u00a0 <u>&lt;<\/u>\u00a01,000 gpd with OSE\/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$225\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Voluntary upgrade for an onsite sewage system, &gt; 1,000 gpd with OSE \/PE documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$1,400\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Safe, adequate, and proper evaluation without OSE\/PE\/Installer\/Operator documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$150\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0Safe, adequate, and proper evaluation with OSE\/PE\/Installer\/Operator documentation<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: right;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">$100\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span id=\"food\" style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><em><strong>**Payments in the office will only be accepted during the hours between 8:30am \u2013 3:45pm, Monday thru Friday.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Food Service Programs<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Inspection reports for all permitted food facilities in Virginia can be viewed at\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/inspections.myhealthdepartment.com\/virginia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">My Health Department.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"><strong> <u>Food Establishments \/ Mobile Units<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\">In order to obtain a permit, we must determine compliance with the\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter421\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Virginia Food Regulations<\/a>.\u00a0To do so, we perform a review and approval process on specific documentation prior to a pre-opening inspection. These documents include: the permit and plan review applications, a copy of the proposed menu, a copy of the establishment\u2019s Certified Food Managers certificate(s), a copy of the establishment\u2019s business license, architectural or computer generated floor plans (to scale) of the establishment, equipment specifications, registration with the city\u2019s Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOG) program for new establishments, and all associated fees. Please note that a Certificate of Occupancy is required for newly constructed or change of use establishments.\u00a0 You must contact Development and Permits at 382-6018, if applicable.\u00a0 <strong>For additional information, call 382-8672.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Food-Establishment-Mobile-Food-Unit-application.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Food Establishment &amp; Mobile Food Unit application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Food-Establishment-Plan-Review-application.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Food Establishment Plan Review<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Mobile-Food-Unit-Plan-Review-application.doc.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mobile Food Unit Plan Review application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/Employee-Health-Agreement.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Employee Health agreement<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/Bodily-Fluid-Cleanup-Procedures.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bodily Fluid Cleanup Procedures<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/MFUGuide_EP_2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mobile Unit Guide<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Commissary-Agreement-Letter-for-Mobile-Units.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Commissary Agreement letter for Mobile Units<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/Fire-Code-Requirements-for-Mobile-Units.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fire Code Requirements for Mobile Units<\/a> \u2013\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cityofchesapeake.net\/government\/city-departments\/departments\/fire\/prev-inspections\/fireinspection.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fire Marshal inspection<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"><strong> <u>Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Program<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\">The City of Chesapeake\u2019s Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Program aims to reduce or eliminate illicit discharges into the city\u2019s sanitary sewer system.\u00a0 <strong>\u00a0For more information on the program and registration process, call 382-3418.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"><strong> <u>Temporary Food Events<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Permits are issued for food vendors operating at a single event or celebration, such as a fair, carnival, or festival, and are governed by the\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter421\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Virginia Food Regulations<\/a>.\u00a0If the food is not prepared and handled in a sanitary manner, the public\u2019s health may be at risk.\u00a0 <strong>For additional information, call 382-8672.<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/Temporary-Food-Establishment-Application.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Temporary Food Establishment application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/Temporary-Food-Establishment-Guide-Feb-2026.pdf\">Temporary Food Establishment Guide, Feb 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"><strong> <u>Foodborne Illness Investigation<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Environmental Health Services responds to all reports of suspected foodborne illnesses implicating food sold or served in the City of Chesapeake. 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 isolated events 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, visit the\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncidod\/diseases\/food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CDC\u00a0<\/a>or\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fda.gov\/Food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FDA<\/a>\u00a0websites. Our goals are to identify the foods responsible for the illness, collect accurate and complete information from the persons 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><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\">When reporting a suspected foodborne illness, the following information will be required: 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 <strong>To file a complaint concerning a food related illness, visit\u00a0<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/foodborne-illness-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">My Meal Detective<\/a> <strong>\u00a0or call 382-8672<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"camp\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\"><strong> <u>Certified Food Manager \/ Food Handler Education<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Online classes are available for Food Handlers, Certified Food Managers, and allergen awareness at\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/chesapeake.statefoodsafety.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/chesapeake.statefoodsafety.com<\/a>.\u00a0If you are having difficulties or have questions, please contact State Food Safety customer support at (801) 494-1416.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Campgrounds<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Annual and temporary campgrounds are inspected while in operation to ensure public safety according to\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter450\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">rules and regulations<\/a>. Additional permits may be required for on-site food establishments, swimming pools and spas.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Campground-Permit-application.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Campground Permit application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Campground-Plan-Review-application.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Campground Plan Review application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"massage\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>For further information, call 382-8672.<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Massage Therapy Establishment<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">In the City of Chesapeake, massage therapy establishments are required to be permitted each year and inspected on a regular basis. Massage therapy inspections are based on the\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/chesapeake\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Code of Chesapeake.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Massage-Therapy-Permit-application.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Massage Therapy Permit application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Massage-Therapy-Plan-Review-application.pdf\">Massage Therapy Plan Review application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/Massage-Therapy-Document-Requirements-Letter.pdf\">Massage Therapy Required Documents list<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/07\/Massage-Therapy-Physicians-Letter.pdf\">Massage Therapy Physicians Letter<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"body\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>For further information, call 382-8672.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Body Art Establishments<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Body Art includes tattooing, permanent makeup and piercing. In the City of Chesapeake, body art establishments are required to be permitted each year and inspected on a regular basis. Body Art inspections are based on the\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/chesapeake\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Code of Chesapeake<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Body-Art-Permit-application.pdf\">Body Art Permit application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Body-Art-Plan-Review-application.pdf\">Body Art Plan Review application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/Body-Art-Required-Documents-List.pdf\">Body Art Required Documents list<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"tour\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>For further information, call 382-8672.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Tourist Establishments<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, 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\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Regulations<\/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.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Hotel-Establishment-Permit-application.pdf\">Hotel Establishment Permit application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Hotel-Establishment-Plan-Review-application.pdf\">Hotel Establishment Plan Review application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>For further information, call 382-8672.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pools\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Recreational Swimming Pools \/ Spas<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">All public pools 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: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">We provide a self-study course for those individuals wanting to become a Certified Pool Operator. The cost is $100 and includes the textbook, Chesapeake pool regulations, exam, and certification card.\u00a0 ( <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Pool-Testing-Flyer.pdf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pool Class Certification Flyer<\/a>) <strong>\u00a0 For more information, call 382-8672<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Recreational-Water-Establishment-Permit-application.pdf\">Recreational Water Establishment Permit application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Recreational-Water-Establishment-Plan-Review-application.pdf\">Recreational Water Establishment Plan Review application<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/04\/Annual-Electrical-Inspection.pdf\">Annual Electrical Inspection Report<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"marina\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Recreational swimming pool\/spa regulations can be found in the\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/chesapeake\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Code of Chesapeake<\/a>\u00a0and State regulations ( <a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter460\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">12VAC5-460<\/a>\u00a0\/\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter462\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">12VAC5-462<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Marina Sanitation<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The Commonwealth of Virginia has sanitary <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/EnvironmentalHealth\/ONSITE\/MARINA\/documents\/regs.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u00a0regulations<\/a>\u00a0for marinas and boat moorings. The\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/EnvironmentalHealth\/ONSITE\/MARINA\/documents\/regs.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">regulations<\/a>\u00a0establish minimum requirements as to adequacy of sewerage facilities serving the boat slips, as well as the persons the marinas are designed to accommodate. The Division of Wastewater Engineering 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 regulations to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness of the facility and issue permits. Information about the Marina Program may be accessed at\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/166.67.66.226\/LHD\/EnvironmentalHealth\/Wastewater\/MARINA\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <strong>\/EnvironmentalHealth\/Wastewater\/MARINA\/<\/strong> <\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0 <strong id=\"onsite\">call 382-8672 for more information.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong>On-site Septic System Program<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The Environmental Health Services oversees the design and construction of onsite sewage systems to ensure that the environment is protected. A permit may be required. The program includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Permit application review<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">System inspections<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Property improvement requests (pools, decks, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Alternative system and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act system inspection requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Complaint investigation<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Inspection and permitting of sewage handlers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>For more information, please call 382-8672.<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000000;\"><strong> Onsite FAQs <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><u>How do I obtain a Construction Permit?<\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Locate a private sector provider to evaluate your property in which you wish to have an onsite sewage system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Fill out an application and pay the appropriate fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Submit to the Chesapeake Health Department for review.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">If approved, you will receive your Construction Permit to install the appropriate onsite sewage system for the property on the application.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><u>How do I locate private sector providers through the VDH website?<\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Go to\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">On the left side of VDH main page under \u201cGo To\u201d, select\u00a0 <strong>VDH Programs<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Scroll down to\u00a0 <strong>Environmental Health Services<\/strong>\u00a0and select\u00a0 <strong>Onsite Sewage &amp; Water<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Scroll to bottom and select\u00a0 <strong>Citizen.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Under \u201cI want to\u201d click on\u00a0 <strong>Find a Private Sector Service Provider.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Click on the service provider map at the bottom of the page.<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Select\u00a0 <strong>the private sector provider you wish to find\u00a0<\/strong>then use the map to obtain info on providers in this area.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><u>How do I obtain an Operation Permit?<\/u><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Notarize and record on the deed at the Chesapeake Courthouse the appropriate documentation you received at the time of permit issuance. For example, an alternative or engineered system requires the operation and maintenance document be notarized and recorded on the property deed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The onsite evaluator or professional engineer chosen to evaluate the property will need to submit a completion statement, as built, and an inspection report.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The licensed installer of the onsite sewage system will need to submit a completion statement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"wells\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Upon receipt of all documents listed above, the Chesapeake Health Department will\u00a0perform a final inspection of the system and <strong>\u00a0<\/strong>issue an\u00a0Operation Permit\u00a0within five business days as long as no corrections are required<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Private Wells<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The Environmental Health Services reviews and issues permits for proposed site of private wells.\u00a0 This ensures the wells are properly located at a safe distance from potential sources of contamination to protect the consumer and groundwater supply.\u00a0 Types of wells include, but are not limited to drinking water, irrigation, geothermal, and industrial.\u00a0 Additional requirements may be imposed if the proposed volume of water to be withdrawn exceeds 300,000 gallons per month.\u00a0\u00a0 <strong>For more information, please call 382-8672.<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong> <u>Private Wells Links<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Have you recently had your well water tested and want to know what the results mean? If so, you&#8217;ve 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 in order to determine whether their family&#8217;s health may be at risk and, if so, available options for response.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Be Well Virginia<\/strong>:\u00a0\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu\/well-informed-virginia.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu\/well-informed-virginia.php<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The Virginia Department of Health DOES NOT require activities in conjunction with the buying or selling of property with private wells.\u00a0 However, during real estate transactions involving properties with private wells, questions often arise from buyers, sellers, and lenders.\u00a0 In response, Office of Environmental Health Services is pleased to offer this FAQ sheet.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span id=\"rabies\" style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Real estate transactions FAQs<\/strong>:\u00a0\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/real-estate-transfer-faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/real-estate-transfer-faq\/<\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Rabies Control Program<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Rabies is a preventable viral disease that is transmitted to people and other mammals through the bite of an infected animal. Though rare, people can get rabies if a rabid animal\u2019s saliva or nerve tissue gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound. Rabies affects the brain and is considered fatal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Most rabies cases in the U.S. occur in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Raccoons are the most commonly reported rabid animal in Chesapeake, followed by foxes, cats, bats, and skunks in that order. Animal rabies surveillance in Chesapeake began in 1988.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Human exposure, defined as a bite or scratch by a wild or domestic animals, must be reported. Exposures of domestic animals to wild animals must also be reported.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/Animal-Exposure-Incident-Report.pdf\">Animal Exposure Incident Report<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong> <u>How to prevent the spread of rabies<\/u> <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Rabies is usually transmitted to pets from wildlife. The best way to protect your pet from rabies is to get them vaccinated and keep them away from wild animals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">All dogs and cats within city limits are required to have up-to-date vaccinations against rabies per the\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/chesapeake\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH10AN_ARTIIDOCAOTRALNAN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Code of Chesapeake<\/a>. Even indoor dogs and cats are at risk if they escape outside, or if a rabid bat enters your home. Puppies and kittens should get their first rabies vaccination by 4 months of age. Re-vaccination is required no later than one year after the primary vaccination and every 3 years thereafter.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong> <u>If a human has been exposed<\/u> <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">You may have been exposed to rabies if you were:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Bitten by a type of animal that is known to transmit rabies virus and the animal cannot be tested. In the City of Chesapeake, this includes raccoons, foxes and bats. In other areas of the U.S., it includes skunks, coyotes and mongooses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Bitten by any animal that tests positive for rabies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Bitten by an animal suspected of being rabid but cannot be tested.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Bitten by a dog, cat or ferret that is unavailable for testing or a 10-day observation period.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">In contact with a bat, or found a bat in the room of a previously unattended child, or woke up to find a bat in the room.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Petting a rabid animal, or having contact with the blood, urine or feces of a rabid animal, is not considered an exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Rabbits and small rodents, including squirrels, hamsters, mice and rats, are not normally found to be infected with rabies, nor have there been any human rabies cases associated with them. Bites by these animals are usually not considered a rabies risk, unless the animal was showing signs of rabies.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong> <u>If you think you have been exposed to rabies, follow these steps:<\/u><\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Immediately wash the wound with soap and water and continue irrigating the wound for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help kill and remove any virus that may have entered the wound.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">If the exposure was from a dog or cat, try to get the pet owner\u2019s name, address and phone\u00a0\u00a0 number or get information of any person that may be able to identify the animal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Report the incident to the Environmental Health office at 382-8672 or to your health care provider<\/strong>. This will assist the Health Department in contacting the pet owner.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">If it is a stray or wild animal, call\u00a0 <strong>Police Department non-emergency dispatch at 382-6161<\/strong>, to report the bite and find out if the animal can be captured and tested for rabies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">If you believe, you were exposed to a bat found in your home, close windows and doors so it cannot escape until it can be captured.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Post exposure prophylaxis is recommended when your health care provider confirms an exposure and the suspected animal cannot be confined for observation, tested, or if the test result is positive.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">It can be difficult to tell if a rabies exposure occurred. You should tell your health care provider about any injury from an animal or exposure to a bat.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong> <u>Animal observation<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">If a healthy dog or cat has bitten you and you are able to provide the owner\u2019s information to your health care provider or to the Health Department, the animal\u2019s owner will be directed to watch it for 10 days at home, called a confinement period. The Health Department will be in contact with the pet owner to see if the animal remains healthy at the end of the observation period.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">If the biting animal is still alive and healthy after this period, you do not need to get a rabies vaccine. If the animal develops signs of rabies during this period, the Health Department will instruct the owner to immediately have the animal examined by a licensed veterinarian. The veterinarian will report their finding to the Health Department and a determination will be made whether rabies testing is required. In order to conduct this test, the animal must be sacrificed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">If the biting animal cannot be found or it tests positive for rabies, the victim of the exposure will be advised to receive post exposure rabies prophylaxis treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">If the animal is a stray domestic animal, call the Police Department non-emergency dispatch at 382-6161, so the animal can be captured and observed at a shelter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Do not attempt to capture a wild animal<\/strong>. Contact the Police Department non-emergency dispatch at 382-6161 if you find an injured or deceased wild animal in your yard.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong> <u>If your pet has been exposed<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Any dog or cat that may have been exposed to a rabid animal should be reported to Chesapeake Animal Services. The Health Department will work with the pet owner and their veterinarian to determine appropriate follow-up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Dogs and cats whose rabies vaccinations are not current, and pets with bite wounds of unknown origin, will be managed on a case-by-case basis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"foia\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Dogs and cats that are current with their rabies vaccination should immediately receive a booster shot. They must also be confined and observed for 45 days in the owner\u2019s home.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacodepopularnames\/virginia-freedom-of-information-act\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located \u00a7 2.2-3700<\/a> et. 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. Please use our form ( <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2020\/05\/FOIABLANKFORM.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FOIA Blank Form<\/a>\u00a0) to assist us in filing your request. A fee may be charged. For additional information, please email\u00a0 <a href=\"mailto:ChdEnvHlth@vdh.virginia.gov\">ChdEnvHlth@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a>,\u00a0 <strong>call (757) 382-8672<\/strong>, or visit the Virginia Department of Health\u2019s main FOIA webpage at\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/commissioner\/administration\/freedom-of-information-act\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/commissioner\/administration\/freedom-of-information-act\/<\/a>.<strong id=\"lead\">\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Lead Poisoning Prevention Program<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Services of the\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/leadsafe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lead Program<\/a> include 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 focus is 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.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0000ff;\"><strong>Additional Website References<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong> <u>General<\/u> <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Virginia Department of Health<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">City of Chesapeake Municipal Codes<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/chesapeake\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/library.municode.com\/va\/chesapeake<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">City of Chesapeake<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cityofchesapeake.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">http:\/\/www.cityofchesapeake.net\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Federal Emergency Management Agency<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fema.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.fema.gov\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">National Environmental Health Association<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.neha.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.neha.org\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong> <u>Food Program<\/u> <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Gateway to Government Food Safety<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodsafety.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.foodsafety.gov\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Food and Drug Administration<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">US Department of Agriculture<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">NC State University Food Safety<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/fbns.ncsu.edu\/extension_program\/programs.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/fbns.ncsu.edu\/\/extension_program\/programs.html<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The Partnership for Food Safety Education<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fightbac.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.fightbac.org\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">National Coalition for Food Safe Schools<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/foodsafeschools.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/foodsafeschools.org\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong> <u>Onsite\/Well Programs<\/u> <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">EPA Office of Water Beach Watch<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/beaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/beaches<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.dpor.virginia.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">http:\/\/www.dpor.virginia.gov\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Virginia Department of Environmental Quality<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.deq.virginia.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.deq.virginia.gov\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chesapeake Health District\u2019s Division of Environmental Health is dedicated to protecting the public and environment through accountability to our community by providing educational outreach and ensuring regulated programs are maintaining compliance.\u00a0 The Environmental Health Services aims to protect, promote, and sustain population health through community presence, educational outreach, and accountability to all stakeholders. Services include [&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-61","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Environmental Health - Chesapeake 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\/chesapeake\/environmental-health\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Environmental Health - Chesapeake Health District\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Chesapeake Health District\u2019s Division of Environmental Health is dedicated to protecting the public and environment through accountability to our community by providing educational outreach and ensuring regulated programs are maintaining compliance.\u00a0 The Environmental Health Services aims to protect, promote, and sustain population health through community presence, educational outreach, and accountability to all stakeholders. 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