Hancock County Health Department

Food Handlers Course

Acquire your Food Handlers license when it is convenient for you.

Take the Test

CPR Classes

CPR/BLS Training at our new location!

Blood Tests: The First Step to Better Health!

Blood Work/Lab draws we offer!

Click Here

Protect Your Health and Make It Last: Get Tested for STDs

What we test for:

Click Here

Sports Physicals

Call for an Appointment 304-564-3343

Nurses Week May 5-11

Tell a Nurse, Thank You!

Hancock County Inspection Reports

View all inspections reports

Click Here

NEW Facebook site

New Facebook Site

Click Here

Complaint Submission

File a complaint

Click Here

Health Alert

May 20th, 2025 HEALTH ADVISORY # 227 Increase in Emerging Tickborne Disease Cases in West Virginia

May 20th, 2025

HEALTH ADVISORY # 227

Increase in Emerging Tickborne Disease Cases in West Virginia

As summer approaches, West Virginia is seeing a rise in tickborne illnesses. While Lyme disease remains the most common, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis are increasing significantly.

Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum) is transmitted by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). Cases rose from 17 in 2023 to 29 in 2024. The disease begins with flu-like symptoms and can rapidly worsen if untreated. In 2024, complications included respiratory failure (2.9%), organ failure (6.9%), leukopenia (24.1%), and thrombocytopenia (44.8%); 62% of cases required hospitalization. It is spreading west from eastern WV.

Babesiosis (Babesia microti), also spread by blacklegged ticks, is emerging in WV. Four of the state’s eight total cases since 2017 occurred in 2024. It may mimic malaria on blood smears. Complications include heart attack (12.5%), ARDS (25%), thrombocytopenia (50%), and anemia (62.5%), with 75% of cases hospitalized.

Recommendations for Healthcare Providers:

1. Recognize and treat early to prevent severe disease.

2. Test for possible coinfections with Lyme or other tickborne diseases.

3. Monitor for transfusion/transplant-related cases:

-Both diseases are transmissible through blood or organs.

-Babesia is screened by blood centers; confirmatory results must be reported to the state.

-Suspected cases should be reported to the local health departments within one week.

4. Educate patients on prevention:

-Use EPA-registered repellents
-Perform daily tick checks
-Avoid high-risk areas (tall grass, brush)
-Seek care promptly for flu-like symptoms after tick exposure.

May be an image of tick and text that says 'Blacklegged Tick'

Hancock County Health Department
P.O. Box 578
850 N. Chester Street
New Cumberland, WV 26047
(Get Directions)

Ami Arneault
Administrator
304 564-3343 ext 123
304-670-4278

Becky Weekley
Office Assistant II
304 564-3343 ext 121

Carolyne Baker
RS, REHS
304 564-3343 ext 130

Michelle Berneburg
Registered Nurse
304 564-3343 ext 129
304-670-5068

Send Us a Message

School Sports Physicals for 2025-2026 school year

Posted 05/22/25

Oak Glen Middle School & Oak Glen High School parents ... Call the Health Department to schedule your childs sports physical. 304-564-3343 Place: Oak Glen High School Date: Tuesday, June 3rd Time: 1p to 4p ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All Hancock County, WV students (grades 5th though 12th) are invited to sign-up for the June 17th clinic. Place: Hancock Co...

Full Article

05/20/25 - Increase in Emerging Tickborne Disease Cases in West Virginia

Full Article

05/19/25 - FBI Active Shooter Training Held

Full Article

05/19/25 - Radon Test Kits---limited supply @ Hancock County Health Department

View All Headlines

Events

May 26, 2025

Closed for Memorial Day

View

June 10, 2025

Board of Health Meeting

@ At the Health Department

View

View Full Calendar >