Per CDC Key points Cryptosporidiosis is a disease that causes watery diarrhea. It is caused by a microscopic germ (parasite) called Cryptosporidium. This parasite can live in water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with infected poop. Cryptosporidium can be found in the United States and throughout the world. Overview Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrhea-causing disease that is spread through germs that live in the poop of infected people or animals. When a p

Due to a significant increase in cyclosporiasis cases, West Virginia has declared a statewide outbreak. Here is what you need to know: What is cyclosporiasis? It is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. How is it spread? People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces (stool) that contains the parasite. Cyclospora is not spread directly from one person to another. Where is cyclosporiasis found? It is found in many countries. Bu

July 7th, 2026 Berkeley County (WV) Health Department has issued a Rabies Alert for the Gregory Drive area of Martinsburg. The WV Office of Laboratory Services notified us on July 7th, 2026, of a positive test result for the rabies virus from a skunk 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 Department at 304-2

We are hiring!! We currently have an opening for the position of Sanitarian 1 in our Morgan County Health Department. Special Hiring Rate: Starting at $50,000.00 Educational Requirement: 4 Year Bachelor's Degree Nature of Work: Under direct supervision, the Sanitarian 1 performs entry level duties in the enforcement of environmental and public health sanitation laws. Acquires the knowledge, skills and abilities to conduct inspections, investigations, evaluations, and educat

Per CDC: Key points Cholera is a bacterial disease spread through contaminated water and food. Cholera can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and even death if the disease goes untreated. People living in places with unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene are at highest risk of cholera. Signs and symptoms Most people who get cholera have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. About 1 in 10 people develop severe symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting

Per CDC Key points Campylobacter bacteria are a common cause of diarrheal illness. The illness is called campylobacteriosis. People most commonly get Campylobacter infection by eating raw or undercooked poultry. Eating other contaminated foods, drinking untreated water, and touching animals that carry Campylobacter can also cause infection. Fast facts Many Campylobacter infections are not diagnosed or reported. Most infections are not part of recognized outbreaks. Infections

Berkeley County Health Department is currently accepting bids for One 4x4 Truck. Bids must be received no later than 4pm on July 17, 2026, via mail or in-person drop off. 4x4 Truck Vehicle Bid Specifications Download the full Request for Proposal (RFP) Submit bids to: Berkeley County Health Department Attn: Cara Harding, RS, Director 122 Waverly Court Martinsburg, WV 25403 **Bids received after July 17, 2026, will not be accepted.

Per CDC: Key points Botulism is a rare but serious illness. It is caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death. The toxin is made by Clostridium botulinum and related bacteria. There are five main kinds of botulism. All are medical emergencies. Most common types There are 5 main kinds of botulism. Foodborne botulism Foodborne botulism can happen by eating foods that have been contaminated with botulinum tox

Per CDC: Key points You can get sick from germs in water you swim or play in (like pools and lakes). Children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Stay out of water if you have diarrhea, don't swallow the water, and take other steps to prevent swimming-related illnesses. Swimming-related illnesses The most common swimming-related illnesses are: Diarrhea Skin rashes Swimmer's ear Flu-like illness or pneumonia Eye or lung irritation Diarrhe

Per CDC Key points Splash pads are not always required to disinfect the water with germ-killing chemicals. The water at splash pads can spread germs and make users sick if the water is not adequately disinfected. Splash pad users can take a few steps to help stop the spread of germs in the water. Splash pad users and parents of young users can take a few steps to help stop the spread of germs in the water: DO: Stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea. Shower 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. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is curr

Per CDC: At a glance Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States. STIs are preventable. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sex partner(s) from STIs. A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) develops because of an S

Per CDC: Key points Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be cured. People who are sexually active can get syphilis. What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems without treatment. Infection develops in stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). Each stage can have different signs and symptoms. Babies can also get syphilis. Congenital syphilis is the disease that happens when w

Per CDC: Key points Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious condition, in women 1 in 8 women with a history of PID experience difficulties getting pregnant. You can prevent PID if you know how to protect yourself. What is PID? Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) an infection of a woman's reproductive organs. It is a complication often caused by some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other infections that are not

Per CDC: Key points Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be treated. People who are sexually active can get gonorrhea. Gonorrhea often has no symptoms, but it can cause serious health problems, even without symptoms. Symptoms in women Most women with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they are often mild and can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Symptoms in women can include: Painful or burning sens

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 these cancers with HPV vaccination. Nearly everyone who is not vaccinated will get HPV at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections (9 out of 10) go away by themselves within 2 years. But sometimes, HPV infections will last longer and can cause some cancers. HPV infections can cause cancers of the: Cervix, vagina, and vulva Penis Anus B

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. Overview Genital herpes is an STI caused by two types of viruses – herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Oral herpes HSV-1 often causes oral herpes, which can result in cold sores or fever blisters on or around the mouth. However, most people with oral herpes do not have any sympto

Per CDC: Key points Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be treated. People who are sexually active can get chlamydia. What is chlamydia? Chlamydia is a common STI that can cause infection among men and women. It can cause permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system. This can make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb). Signs

Per CDC: At a glance CDC released recommendations that prioritize hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing of all perinatally exposed infants at age 2 to 6 months with a nucleic acid test (NAT) for detection of HCV. To learn more about these recommendations, please visit: Perinatal Hepatitis C Testing Recommendations | CDC NCHHSTP

Public Notice of Food Handlers Card Proposal Berkeley-Morgan County Board of Health 122 Waverly Court Martinsburg, WV 25403 For More Information, Contact: Cara N. Harding, R.S., Director Berkeley and Morgan County Health Departments Phone: 304-267-7130 ext. 8255 Fax: 304-263-8274 Email: charding@berkeleywv.org For Immediate Release: Food Handler Card Proposal Martinsburg, WV, January 26, 2026-- Please take notice that the Berkeley-Morgan County Board of Health, durin