Per CDC Key points Bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae can cause many types of infections. Some of these infections are mild, while others are serious. Despite its name, H. influenzae doesn't cause the flu. Learn about how vaccines can prevent infections from one type of H. influenzae, type b or Hib. Types H. influenzae can cause many different types of infections. These infections range from mild, like ear infections, to serious, like bloodstream infections. Serious infec

Per CDC Key points Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by a toxin produced by some strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best protection against diphtheria. Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about diphtheria vaccines. Risk factors Close contact Close contact with someone with diphtheria increases the risk of getting infected. Close contact with someone with diphtheria includes Living with

Per CDC Key points Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The virus spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has chickenpox. The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Signs and symptoms The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the chest, back, and face, before it spreads to the res

Per CDC What to know Respiratory syncytial virus (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 illness 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 illness. RSV can be dangerous for infants and older a

Per CDC Key points MERS is a viral respiratory illness. Most MERS cases have been detected in countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula. MERS represents a very low risk to the general public in the United States. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus called Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The virus can spread from camels to people through direct physical contact. Limited human-to-human transmis

Per CDC Key points Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses Flu can cause mild to severe illness. Some people are at higher risk for more serious flu illness. Most experts believe that influenza viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk Getting a flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of flu and serious flu complications. Symptoms Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Fl

Per CDC COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. COVID-19 spreads COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in th

Berkeley County WV Rabies Alert September 10th, 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 September 10th, 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 th

As World Environmental Health Day, Septic Smart Week, and World Rabies Day are all recognized in September, we felt that is a perfect time to recognize the hard work of our Environmental Health Services Team! In addition to the upcoming presentations on Guide to Septic Systems for Realtors and for Home Owners that our team will be hosting this month, yesterday, some of our team members participated in a septic training day in which they went out into the field to learn more a

Per CDC: Key points Bird flu is a disease caused by avian influenza A viruses that usually spread between birds, not people. One subtype of bird flu, caused by avian influenza A(H5) virus, is spreading worldwide in wild birds and causing sporadic outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy cows. In addition to spreading to an increasing number of mammals, H5 bird flu has caused some rare human infections. Types Influenza type A viruses can be further classified into subtypes. Subtype

Per CDC: Key points A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host. There are three main classes of parasites that can cause disease in humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Protozoa The protozoa that are infectious to humans can be classified into four groups based on their mode of movement: Sarcodina – the ameba, e.g., Entamoeba Mastigophora – the flagellates, e.g., Giardia, Leishmania Ciliophora

Per CDC 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 women pass syphilis to their babies during pregnancy. How it spreads You can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or ora

Per CDC Key points Most people get HIV through anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment. Only certain body fluids can transmit HIV. There are powerful tools to help prevent HIV transmission. How HIV is transmitted You can get HIV if you have anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV without using protection (like condoms or medicine to prevent HIV). You can also get HIV from sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equi

Per CDC: Key points Yersinia are bacteria (germs) that can make you sick. Infection with Yersinia is often linked to eating raw or undercooked pork. Symptoms depend on the age of the person with the infection. Causes People can get infected after swallowing Yersinia. Children are more likely to get Yersinia infection than adults. Common causes of infection Contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked pork Contact with a person who has prepared a pork product, such as chit

Per Ready.gov This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is Americans Stand Ready. When Americans take steps to prepare for disasters and keep their families safe, every neighborhood and community is more resilient. Throughout National Preparedness Month in September, FEMA will celebrate and encourage American resourcefulness and civic responsibility. This year’s theme will focus on several distinct ideas that capture how Americans take pride in their ability to protect t

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. (IOAD) This marks 25 years of global remembrance, awareness, and action. This year's theme, "25 Years On. Still Needed.", reminds us that overdose continues to affect people, families, and communities everywhere. Key Points to Remember: Behind every statistic is a person. IOAD is a time to honor people who have died from overdose, recognize the grief of families and communities, and support people affected by substance u

Per CDC: Key points Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be cured. People who are sexually active can get syphilis. This fact sheet answers general questions about 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 syphil

Per CDC: Here is some basic information to help protect yourself and those you love. 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. Overview HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Witho

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to share information and notify clinicians, public health authorities, and the public about the risk of severe arboviral neuroinvasive disease among patients who are receiving B cell-depleting or B cell-modulating medications, particularly anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Patients and their providers should be aware of this risk to help patients protect thems