P er CDC Español Key points Hantaviruses are a family of viruses which can cause serious illnesses and death. These viruses cause diseases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). They are spread mainly by rodents and are not spread from person-to-person. Signs and symptoms Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) HPS is a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs. Symptoms of HPS usually start

Per CDC Key points Ehrlichiosis is the general name used to describe a group of diseases. Tick bites from the lone star tick and the blacklegged tick species spread the disease. In the United States, three species of bacteria lead to the disease. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for people of all ages with ehrlichiosis. People with ehrlichiosis will often have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes upset stomach. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for

Per CDC: What to know Classic CJD is an always-fatal, usually fast-moving disease that occurs worldwide. It affects the brain and causes dementia and other problems, mostly in older adults. There is no treatment or cure. Types: There are three main types of CJD infection: Sporadic The vast majority of all CJD cases reported (about 85%) are called sporadic. These types of cases occur when prion proteins already in the body misfold for reasons that aren't fully understood. This

March 24th, 2026 Berkeley County (WV) Health Department has issued a Rabies Alert for the Back Creek Valley area of Hedgesville. The WV Office of Laboratory Services notified us on March 24 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 this animal, please call the Berkeley County Health Departmen

Per CDC Key points Chronic wasting disease affects deer, elk, moose, and similar animals in the United States and a few other countries. The disease hasn't been shown to infect people. Scientists continue to study whether having contact with or eating meat from infected animals could affect people. Signs and symptoms in Animal CWD can infect farmed and free-range deer and elk of all ages. It may take months to years before an infected animal shows symptoms, which may include:

Per CDC Español Key points Brucellosis is a disease caused by bacteria. The disease spreads to people through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. People in certain jobs or settings that work with animals or animal products may face increased exposure to the bacteria that cause brucellosis. Brucellosis can be treated with antibiotics. People can get brucellosis by: Eating undercooked meat such as sheep, cow, goat, or camel. Eating undercooke