Per CDC: Key points Plague is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis . Plague occurs naturally in areas of the western United States, where it circulates among wild rodents and other animals. Plague can be cured with antibiotics, but treatment must be given quickly. Overview Plague is a disease that affects humans and other mammals. It is caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis . Humans usually become infected through the bite of an i

Per CDC Key points New World screwworm (NWS) is a fly that lays its eggs in open wounds and body openings such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or genitals. NWS eggs hatch into parasitic maggots that burrow into and feed on living tissue or flesh. You are at higher risk for NWS if you live or travel to areas where NWS flies are found, spend a lot of time outside where flies are, and if you have an open wound. Symptoms Symptoms can include Feeling maggots (larvae) move or seein

Per CDC: Key points Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite that infects a certain type of mosquito. Most people get malaria from the bite of an infective mosquito. Malaria can be a deadly disease if not diagnosed and treated quickly. Starting treatment as soon as possible can often prevent severe illness and death. Causes and Risk Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. Anopheles mosquitoes are the type of mosquito that transmit malaria from one person to anoth

Location: Berkeley County Health Department & Virtual via Zoom Date/Time: April 20, 2026, at 4:00pm Call to Order/Opening Comments -Teresa McCabe Approval of Agenda Review/Acceptance of Minutes: March 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 McLaughlin Pu

Per CDC: Key points Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to people through the bite of blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions of the United States. Signs and symptoms Untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide rang

Per CDC Español Key points Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria. It affects people and animals. It's spread in the urine (pee) of infected animals. Leptospirosis risk often increases after a hurricane or flood when people have contact with contaminated water or soil. If you or your animals may have leptospirosis, see a healthcare provider. Exposure risks The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine (pee) of infected animals. The bacteria