Per CDC Español Key points Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria. It affects people and animals. It's spread in the urine (pee) of infected animals. Leptospirosis risk often increases after a hurricane or flood when people have contact with contaminated water or soil. If you or your animals may have leptospirosis, see a healthcare provider. Exposure risks The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine (pee) of infected animals. The bacteria

P er CDC Español Key points Hantaviruses are a family of viruses which can cause serious illnesses and death. These viruses cause diseases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). They are spread mainly by rodents and are not spread from person-to-person. Signs and symptoms Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) HPS is a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs. Symptoms of HPS usually start

Per CDC Key points Ehrlichiosis is the general name used to describe a group of diseases. Tick bites from the lone star tick and the blacklegged tick species spread the disease. In the United States, three species of bacteria lead to the disease. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for people of all ages with ehrlichiosis. People with ehrlichiosis will often have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes upset stomach. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for

Per CDC: What to know Classic CJD is an always-fatal, usually fast-moving disease that occurs worldwide. It affects the brain and causes dementia and other problems, mostly in older adults. There is no treatment or cure. Types: There are three main types of CJD infection: Sporadic The vast majority of all CJD cases reported (about 85%) are called sporadic. These types of cases occur when prion proteins already in the body misfold for reasons that aren't fully understood. This

March 24th, 2026    Berkeley County (WV) Health Department has issued a Rabies Alert for the Back Creek Valley area of Hedgesville.   The WV Office of Laboratory Services notified us on March 24 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 this animal, please call the Berkeley County Health Departmen

Per CDC Key points Chronic wasting disease affects deer, elk, moose, and similar animals in the United States and a few other countries. The disease hasn't been shown to infect people. Scientists continue to study whether having contact with or eating meat from infected animals could affect people. Signs and symptoms in Animal CWD can infect farmed and free-range deer and elk of all ages. It may take months to years before an infected animal shows symptoms, which may include:

Per CDC Español Key points Brucellosis is a disease caused by bacteria. The disease spreads to people through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. People in certain jobs or settings that work with animals or animal products may face increased exposure to the bacteria that cause brucellosis. Brucellosis can be treated with antibiotics. People can get brucellosis by: Eating undercooked meat such as sheep, cow, goat, or camel. Eating undercooke

Per CDC Español Key points Rabies is a viral disease that is deadly if people don't receive medical care before symptoms start. Rabies spreads primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. The animals most frequently found with rabies in the U.S. are bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. Around 100,000 Americans are vaccinated against rabies following a potential rabies exposure each year. Signs and symptoms After a rabies exposure, the rabi

Per CDC Key points Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum primarily spread to people by the bite of an infected tick. Signs and symptoms of anaplasmosis typically begin within 1–2 weeks after the bite of an infected tick. Healthcare providers order certain blood tests to look for evidence of anaplasmosis. Signs and symptoms Signs and symptoms of anaplasmosis typically begin within 1–2 weeks after the bite of an infected tick, however many

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

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

Hot off the presses!! We hope you will enjoy our 2025 Year in Review Newsletter for our Berkeley and Morgan County Health Departments. Though we could not include all of our activities and events, we hope our newsletter will provide some additional insight into our local public health departments. We wish you a healthy and safe 2026! B-MCBOH: 2025 Year in Review Newsletter

Per CDC Key points Ebola disease is caused by an infection with an orthoebolavirus. Orthoebolaviruses are found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. Orthoebolaviruses can cause serious and often deadly disease, with a mortality rate as high as 80 to 90 percent. There is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of Ebola virus (species Orthoebolavirus zairense). Types There are four orthoebolaviruses that cause illness in people: Ebola virus (species Orthoebolavirus zairense ) ca

Per CDC Español Key points Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Two TB-related conditions exist: inactive TB and active TB disease. Getting tested and treated for TB can protect yourself, your family and friends, and your community. TB usually affects the lungs. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. TB can also affect multiple parts of the body at the same time. For examp

Per CDC Español Key points Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a rare, but serious bacterial infection. STSS can develop very quickly into a life-threatening emergency. People with STSS need immediate care in a hospital and antibiotics. Treatment focuses on managing low blood pressure and multiple organ failure. Speak with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about STSS. Symptoms First symptoms of STSS often include: Fever and chills Muscle aches

Per CDC Español Key points Pneumococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae . Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but certain people are at increased risk. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against pneumococcal disease. Types S. pneumoniae bacteria can cause many types of infections, including: Pneumonia (lung infection) Meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) Ba

Per CDC Español Key points Group B Streptococcus (group B strep, GBS) bacteria cause GBS disease. GBS disease includes many types of infections—some can be life threatening. Anyone can get GBS disease, but it's most common in newborns. If pregnant, get tested for GBS bacteria and get antibiotics during labor, if needed. Types GBS bacteria can cause many types of infections. Some of these infections can be life threatening. Infections include: Bacteremia (bloods

Per CDC Key points Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin. Rheumatic fever can develop if strep throat, scarlet fever, or impetigo aren't treated properly. Symptoms often include fever and painful, tender joints, with treatment focusing on managing inflammation and symptoms. Serious complications include long-term heart damage. Speak with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about rheumatic fever. Symptoms: Rheuma