Per CDC Español Key points Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy to alpha-gal that can develop after a tick bite. Alpha-gal is a molecule found in most mammals, such as cows and pigs, but not in people. People with AGS can have an allergic reaction after eating red meat or being exposed to products containing alpha-gal. The best way to protect yourself and your family from AGS is to prevent tick bites. Risk factors AGS is caused by tick bites,...

*** Rabies Alert Issued by the Berkeley County Health Department ***    March 4, 2026    Berkeley County (WV) Health Department has issued a Rabies Alert for the Baxter Road area of Hedgesville.   The WV Office of Laboratory Services notified us on March 4 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,...

Per CDC At a glance Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a group of diseases that are caused by several distinct families of viruses. The term "viral hemorrhagic fever" refers to a condition where many of the body's organ systems are affected, the overall cardiovascular system is damaged, and the body's ability to function on its own is reduced. In addition to VHFs, there are serious infectious diseases like Nipah and Hendra diseases that also require a specialized laboratory, are highly...