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This monthly community newsletter from Dr. Craig Kent, CEO of UVA Health, highlights how UVA Health serves our patients and the community. To stay up to date on operations, clinical services, and research efforts featured in UVA Health Community Update, subscribe here.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

In this month’s letter, I am excited to share important updates from UVA Health about our efforts to improve health and well-being in our community. This update also includes a closer look at preventing norovirus outbreaks, research at UVA Health about alcohol’s relationship to cancer, and our inclusion in a prestigious list of top oncology programs. Thank you for your continued trust in us. We are committed to bringing the best healthcare to our community. 

News Feature

Norovirus, often called the "stomach bug," is a highly contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Unfortunately, a new norovirus strain is quickly moving through the U.S. — and while not usually life-threatening, it is miserable for all who become actively infected. The Virginia Department of Health currently reports a significant increase in "stomach bug-like" outbreaks across the Commonwealth. Symptoms of the virus begin 12 to 24 hours after exposure and can appear suddenly. It is often mistakenly referred to as the “stomach flu,” but there is no connection to influenza. Norovirus can also be confused with food poisoning, which has very similar symptoms, but norovirus will usually last longer and involves more nausea and vomiting. Dr. William Petri, UVA Health’s infectious diseases expert, describes norovirus as “nasty and highly infectious,” adding, “You wouldn’t wish it on anyone."

According to the CDC, norovirus infects up to 21 million people annually, and outbreaks commonly occur in crowded settings like schools, long-term care facilities, and cruise ships. Unlike many other viruses, norovirus RNA has a protective seal around it that makes it very difficult to destroy. It can survive in freezing temperatures and high heat (even through a dishwasher). What’s worse: mild soap and alcohol-based sanitizers won’t kill it. 

So, are there ways to avoid it? 

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently: use soap and water after using the restroom, after cleaning the dirty clothes of someone who is sick, after caring for someone who is sick, and before eating.
• Use bleach-based detergents to clean and disinfect surfaces. Alcohol, regardless of the percentage, cannot penetrate the virus particle.
• Wear disposable gloves and use paper towels (and then throw them out) to clean up after someone who is sick
• Handle food safely: thoroughly rinse foods like leafy greens before eating.   

What if you do get sick? The most important thing to remember is to stay hydrated and isolated while you rest. Sip on fluids like water or sports drinks to replace lost electrolytes. Symptoms usually last two to three days, but severe dehydration may require medical attention, including IV fluids. Contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate care if symptoms last beyond a few days. Additionally, young children, babies, or older adults with weakened immune systems are at particular risk. It’s important to watch these individuals for warning signs like dry mouth, listlessness, dizziness, decreased urine output, or crying with no tears.

Other News

UVA Health Launches Mobile Health Unit

I am thrilled to announce the official launch of UVA Health Mobile Care, which is now delivering high-quality healthcare directly to patients in and around Charlottesville who have limited access to traditional facilities or care. This program reflects a core goal of UVA Health’s strategic plan: to cultivate healthy communities and foster belonging by meeting patients where they are. The mobile care unit offers general health checkups, pediatric care, chronic disease management, women’s health services, lab tests, and more. Patients can use it as a bridge to establish care with a regular provider, address non-emergent needs, or even as their primary care resource. With regular visits to the Fifeville and Southwood neighborhoods, this initiative addresses healthcare disparities and helps improve overall community well-being. We are grateful for the federal funding and local partnerships that made this program possible and look forward to serving our neighbors with compassionate, accessible care. 

Alcohol and Cancer: UVA Research Cited in U.S. Surgeon General Report

The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory that links alcohol consumption to increased cancer risks, identifying it as the third leading preventable cause of cancer. The advisory says even moderate drinking raises the risk for seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, esophagus, voice box, liver, mouth, and throat. Many Americans are left with questions about how this advisory affects them: How much alcohol is too much? Is the risk associated with a cocktail the same as a glass of wine? Does it matter at what age you start drinking — or stop drinking?

Although we do not know the answers to all of these questions, perhaps we can start with what we do know: it is clear that heavy consumption of alcohol is harmful. There is a firmly established link between heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages and cancer. Moreover, for some cancers even moderate consumption can increase risk. Research has shown that ethanol alcohol leads to increased inflammation, can damage DNA, and can alter levels of hormones like estrogen.   

Additionally, we know there is a lack of awareness of this association. Too few doctors discuss alcohol use and its association with cancer with their patients. According to research cited in the advisory from our own Dr. Wiseman, an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health at UVA’s School of Medicine, fewer than half of U.S. adults who saw a clinician in 2021 reported discussing the cancer risks of alcohol. Only 38% of patients reported knowing there was a link between the two.  

With alcohol use rising 4% since the pandemic and heavy drinking up 20%, these discussions are more important than ever. We will keep you aware as more information becomes available. We are thankful to the surgeon general for raising public awareness of this incredibly important issue.  

UVA Health Cancer Center Ranked as a Top 100 Program in the U.S.

I am proud to celebrate UVA Cancer Center’s recognition on Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2024 list of 100 hospitals and health systems with great oncology programs. This honor highlights our leadership in advancing cancer care, research, and outreach to the communities we serve. Serving more than 3.2 million people across 87 counties in Virginia and West Virginia, we have seen remarkable progress, including a 50% increase in patient care since 2014 and nearly 500% growth in research participation. Backed by $77 million in annual research funding, our team continues to pioneer groundbreaking treatments like Virginia’s first MRI-guided and focused radiation therapy and a new FDA-approved immunotherapy for small cell cancer of the lung. I am deeply grateful for the incredible team members who make this work possible. Their dedication to providing exceptional care, conducting life-changing research, and supporting our communities is appreciated by all.

As always, I want to thank you for supporting UVA Health. Your trust and partnership inspire us to continue delivering compassionate and innovative care. 

K. Craig Kent, MD
Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health