Per CDC & WV OEPS: About Outbreaks: An outbreak is defined as the occurrence of more cases of a disease or condition than expected in a specific area or time. The most frequently reported outbreaks are respiratory illnesses such as influenza and enteric illnesses like acute gastroenteritis. Most outbreaks are reported from healthcare facilities such as nursing homes, followed by outbreaks in schools. For some of the most common outbreaks, there are established outbreak defini

Per CDC: Key points Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite. A parasite is an organism (a living thing) that lives on or inside another organism. People can prevent Cyclospora infection by avoiding food or water that may contain feces (poop), especially in tropical or subtropical areas. Overview Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. People can become infected by consum

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

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