Per CDC Español Key points Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy to alpha-gal that can develop after a tick bite. Alpha-gal is a molecule found in most mammals, such as cows and pigs, but not in people. People with AGS can have an allergic reaction after eating red meat or being exposed to products containing alpha-gal. The best way to protect yourself and your family from AGS is to prevent tick bites. Risk factors AGS is cause

*** Rabies Alert Issued by the Berkeley County Health Department ***    March 4, 2026    Berkeley County (WV) Health Department has issued a Rabies Alert for the Baxter Road area of Hedgesville.   The WV Office of Laboratory Services notified us on March 4 th  of a positive test result for the rabies virus from a raccoon in the above area. It was submitted to them by the Berkeley County Health Department.   If you think that you or someone else may have come into contact with

Per CDC At a glance Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a group of diseases that are caused by several distinct families of viruses. The term "viral hemorrhagic fever" refers to a condition where many of the body's organ systems are affected, the overall cardiovascular system is damaged, and the body's ability to function on its own is reduced. In addition to VHFs, there are serious infectious diseases like Nipah and Hendra diseases that also require a specialized laboratory,

If you are a new poultry owner and/or a someone interested in learning how to help prevent illness in your folk, we've got resources for you! Please check out the following:   Checklist for New Poultry Owners: Check list for new poultry owners   PDF Download: CDC Coops videos: CDC Coops: Episode 1: Doja Chick ( youtube.com ) CDC Coops: Episode 2: Chick Inn ( youtube.com ) Handwashing: Stickers to promote handwashing   Additional Resources: USDA:   Defend the Flock CDC: Back

Per CDC Key points Marburg virus disease (Marburg) is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever that can cause serious illness and death. Symptoms can be similar to other tropical diseases, making diagnosis challenging. There is no treatment or vaccine for Marburg. The disease spreads through contact with infected animals or people. Overview Marburg is a rare, severe viral hemorrhagic fever which affects both people and other primates, like apes and monkeys. Caused by infection wit

*** Rabies Alert Issued by the Berkeley County Health Department ***     February 24 th , 2026   The Berkeley County (WV) Health Department has issued a Rabies Alert for the 700 block of Tecumseh Trail in Hedgesville. The WV Office of Laboratory Services notified us on February 24, 2026, of a positive test result for the rabies virus from a cat in the above area. It was submitted to them by the Berkeley County Health Department. If you think that you or someone else may have