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

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

Date/Time: February 23, 2026, at 4:00pm Locations: Berkeley County Health Department & Virtual via Zoom Call to Order/Opening Comments -Teresa McCabe Approval of Agenda Review/Acceptance of Minutes:  January 2026 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 McLaugh

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

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