23 Hepatitis Cases Now Linked to Tropical Smoothie | Patch PM

Stories to talk about tonight:

Hepatitis A Cases Rise to 23 in Virginia, Linked to Tropical Smoothie Cafe

The number of people in Virginia who have contracted Hepatitis A has now risen to 23, after they consumed tainted strawberries from Tropical Smoothie Cafes in the Commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Health said Wednesday.

Individuals who consumed a smoothie from a Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Virginia, on Aug. 5, 6, 7 or 8 may still benefit from vaccine or immune globulin to prevent hepatitis A, according to the health department. >>> Read more.

Virginia Poll: Clinton's Lead Over Trump Widens in Key State

A new poll conducted out of Roanoke College in Virginia indicates that Democratic presidential nominee Hilary Clinton's lead over Republican nominee Donald Trump has widened to roughly 16 percent throughout the state.

At the same time, it also suggests that while likely voters said they care about the outcome of the presidential election in November, many are "not pleased" with either candidate. >>> Read more.

ATF: Virginia is 5th Most Heavily Armed State in U.S.

• Data from the U.S. Census and ATF counts more than 30 registered guns for every 1,000 residents.

Pentagon to Conduct 'Mass Casualty' Exercise in the Area on Thursday

• People may notice a significant increase in police presence in the area on Thursday, particularly along certain freeway routes.

TSA Pre-Check Center Opens at DMV in Tysons

• Want to zip through security while traveling? You can now apply for the "TSA Pre-Check" at the DMV in Tysons.

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Va. and D.C. networks. The Patch community platform covers communities across the area.