Hancock County Health Department

Food Handlers Course

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

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CPR Classes

CPR/BLS Training at our new location!

Blood Tests: The First Step to Better Health!

Blood Work/Lab draws we offer!

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

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Hancock County Inspection Reports

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Complaint Submission

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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 '1 inch Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis) NE DIME larva adult female adult male nyTp Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) Fin Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) 2 次添'

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

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Last Chance ----School Sports Physicals

Posted 06/10/25

Call to schedule your child's 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗣𝗛𝗬𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟. 304-564-3343 All Hancock County, WV students (grades 5th though 12th) are invited to sign-up for the 𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗘 𝟭𝟳𝗧𝗛 clinic. 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. ---------------------------------------------------- Place: Hancock County Health Department. Time: Time: 3p to 6p. Cost : $30 cash due at time of phys...

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06/04/25 - Weirton City-Wide Water Flush Schedule

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05/22/25 - School Sports Physicals for 2025-2026 school year

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

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Events

July 02, 2025

Heartsaver 💕 CPR 💕 AED 💕 First – Aid 💲50

@ Hancock County Health Dept.

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