07/17/26 Public Health Education Topic: Outbreaks

Health Department
3 hours ago
1 min read

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 definitions to indicate the number of cases that may indicate an outbreak is occurring. For less common pathogens, a single case would be considered an outbreak as there is a low incidence of the disease within the state. In West Virginia, outbreaks or clusters of any illness or condition in any setting are immediately reportable to the LHD and all reported outbreaks are investigated.