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

Reminder: Know before you go! Travelers' Health | CDC Traveling out of the country? It is very important to make sure you are protected against disease, especially when traveling to other countries. Many countries have diseases that are not present in the United States. Vaccines for these diseases can be difficult to find, but we’ve got you covered! We Offer: Routine Immunizations Typhoid ( We have Injectable , Oral will be a script. ) Japanese Encephalitis Yellow Fever Pres

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 c

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 Infla

Per CDC What to know RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Infants and adults who are older or have certain risk factors are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. CDC recommends immunizations to protect infants, some young children, and adults who are older or have certain risk factors that increase the risk for severe RSV. RSV can be dangerous for infants and older adults RSV does not usually cause severe illnes

Per CDC: Key points Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States. People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. Proper handwashing and other simple steps can help prevent getting and spreading norovirus. Signs and symptoms A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most common symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain Other symptoms: Fever, headache, and bo

Per CDC: Key points Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients get while or soon after receiving health care....

Per CDC: Key points HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common virus that can cause cancers later in life. You can protect your child from...

Per CDC: Key points Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be treated. People who are sexually active can get genital herpes. How it spreads You can get genital herpes by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. You can get herpes if you have contact with: A herpes sore Saliva from a partner with an oral herpes infection Genital fluids from a partner with a genital herpes infection Skin in the oral area of a partn

Per CDC Key points Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin. Rheumatic fever can...

Per CDC: Key Points Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses Flu can cause mild to severe illness Most experts...

Per CDC: At A Glance: Foodborne germs can lead to illness, hospitalization, and death. Follow key steps to prevent food poisoning -...

Per CDC: Key points Non-polio enterovirus infections are common, usually affecting infants, children, and teenagers. Most people...

Per CDC Key points COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can be very contagious and can...

September 2025: West Virginia Department of Health (DH), Bureau for Public Health (BPH) The West Virginia Department of Health (DH),...

Per CDC: Key points Bacteria called Clostridium tetani cause tetanus. Tetanus is a serious disease and requires immediate medical...