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

Per Ready.gov Events where you are exposed accidentally or intentionally to biohazards may or may not be immediately obvious. In most cases, local health care workers will report a pattern of unusual illness or there will be a wave of sick people seeking emergency medical attention. You would be alerted through an emergency radio or TV broadcast, a telephone call or a home visit from an emergency response worker. To Prepare: Build an  Emergency Supply Kit. Make a  Family Emer

Per CDC: Key points Anthrax can cause severe illness in both people and animals. The bacteria that cause anthrax occurs naturally in soil worldwide. People usually get anthrax from infected animals or contaminated animal products. Call a healthcare provider immediately if you think you have been exposed to anthrax. Symptoms The symptoms of anthrax depend on the type of infection. Symptoms show up anywhere from one day to more than two months after you're exposed to the bacter

Per CDC: Key Points Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients get while or soon after receiving health care. HAIs are a serious threat to healthcare safety. Preventing HAIs is a top priority for CDC and its partners in public health and health care. Causes Germs that cause HAIs can spread through unclean hands or improper use or reuse of equipment between patients, providers, staff and visitors. Healthcare procedures can also expose you to germs tha

Per CDC: Key points Antibiotics can save lives, but they aren't always the answer. Take these steps to use antibiotics appropriately so you can get the best treatment when you're sick, protect yourself from side effects caused by unnecessary antibiotic use and combat antimicrobial resistance. Take antibiotics ONLY when you need them Antibiotics ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as: Strep throat Whooping cough Urinary tract infection (UTI) Some infections

Per WV OEPS & CDC: Specific MDRO: Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) ​ Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) VRSA/VISA​ Recommendations for Patients and caregivers Wash their hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Remind people (including healthcare staff) to clean their hands before touching the patient or handling medical devices. What you can do to be a safe patient‎ 1. Tell yo

Per CDC Overview Vancomycin-intermediate and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VISA/VRSA) are specific types of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus ) bacteria. Resistance to vancomycin in S. aureus is exceptionally rare. Signs and symptoms VISA/VRSA infections can look like pimples, boils or other skin conditions. VRSA can cause wound infections. Who is at risk People with underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes and kidney disease). Peop

Board of Health Meeting Agenda  Location: Virtual Only - Online Via Zoom January 26, 2026, at 4:00pm    Call to Order/Opening Comments -Teresa McCabe Approval of Agenda Review/Acceptance of Minutes:  November 2025 Departmental Reports: Epi Report – Robert Deener Nursing Report – Tanya Manley Environmental Report – Mickayla LaCour Threat Prep Report – Jennifer Schetrompf Administrator Report – Cara Harding Financial Report – Karen Young Health Officer Report – Dr. Kevin McLa

Per CDC: Key points People and animals can get carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections. CRE infections can be prevented. Signs and symptoms Pneumonia Bloodstream infections Urinary tract infections Wound infections Meningitis Who is at risk Patients in healthcare settings are at most risk for CRE, especially those who: Require devices like ventilators (breathing machines), urinary (bladder) catheters, or intravenous (vein) catheters. Are taking long courses of

Per CDC: Key points C. diff is a germ that causes diarrhea and colitis (an inflammation of the colon) and can be life-threatening. C. diff can affect anyone. Most cases of C. diff infection occur when you've been taking antibiotics or not long after you've finished the antibiotic course. Talk with a healthcare professional about your risk for developing C. diff. Symptoms Diarrhea Fever Stomach tenderness or pain Loss of appetite Nausea Complications Common Dehydration Infl

Per CDC: Key points Candida auris ( C. auris ) is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness and spread easily among very sick patients in healthcare facilities. Symptoms depend on the site of infection (i.e., bloodstream, wound, ears). C. auris is often resistant to antifungal medications. Learn about risks, spread, and prevention. Symptoms C. auris can cause infection in different parts of the body like the blood, wounds, and ears. Symptoms of a C. auris infection dep

As we move forward into 2026, we would like to share H5N1 resources for  reference to assist in keeping livestock, backyard flocks and those  who care for them safe. H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation: H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation | Bird Flu | CDC USDA: H5N1 Influenza FluView: FluView | FluView | CDC

Per CDC Key points Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by the variola virus. Smallpox has been eradicated, with no cases occurring since 1977. The disease caused rashes and could spread through coughing and sneezing. Smallpox no longer occurs naturally, but it is possible that variola virus could be used in a biological attack. Although unlikely, public health authorities prepare for the possibility of smallpox being used as a weapon. Overview Before smallpox was eradic

Per CDC: 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. Signs and symptoms Brucellosis can cause a range of signs and symptoms in people, and some can occur for a long time before

Per CDC Key points HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. There are many ways to prevent HIV, like using PrEP, PEP, condoms and never sharing needles. HIV treatment helps people live long, healthy lives and prevents HIV transmission. Symptoms Most people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Symptoms may last for a few days or several weeks. Having these symptoms alone doesn't mean yo

Per CDC: At a glance Cigarette smoking is a major public health concern, with over 16 million Americans living with a smoking-related disease. Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure cause over 480,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and causes many diseases. Quitting smoking lowers the risk for early death and of developing smoking-related diseases. Cigarette smoking causes: Cancer Heart disease and stroke Lung diseases such as chron

Per CDC: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are sometimes called e-cigs, vapes, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Get the facts about e-cigarettes, their health effects, and the risks of vaping. The bottom line There are no safe tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes should not be used by youth, young adults, or women who are pregnant. Adults who have ne

Our Berkeley County Health Department and Morgan County Health Department offices will be closed from 12:30pm on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, through Thursday, November 27, 2025, in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday and on Friday, November 28, 2025, in honor of the Lincoln Day holiday. Both offices will reopen on Monday, December1, 2025 at 8:30am.

Per CDC What to know Classic CJD is a quick-moving, always fatal disease that occurs worldwide. It affects the brain and causes dementia and other problems. CJD mostly occurs in older adults. There is no treatment or cure. It usually leads to death within a year from when symptoms begin. How it affects your body People with CJD suffer from dementia. Other symptoms may include trouble walking, sudden jerky movements, and visual disturbances. CJD patients usually die within one

Per CDC Key points Chronic wasting disease affects deer, elk and similar animals in the United States and a few other countries. The disease hasn't been shown to infect people. However, it might be a risk to people if they have contact with or eat meat from animals infected with CWD. Causes Chronic wasting disease is a type of prion disease. Prions are proteins that are normally found in the body. In rare cases, the proteins misfold, causing serious symptoms in the animal or