Department of Health Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

W.Va.’s First Case Of Measles In More Than A Decade Contained

West Virginia’s first case of measles in 15 years was reported on April 22.

The Department of Health announced Friday that West Virginia’s first case of measles in 15 years is officially contained.

The case was reported on April 22 in Monongalia County and linked to international travel.

According to a press release from the Department of Health (DH) Friday, May 10 marked the last day when all first-degree contacts with the infected individual passed their monitoring period.

“Thanks to a swift and comprehensive response through aggressive contact tracing and cooperation from the public, I am pleased to report no additional cases of measles have been reported,” said Health Secretary Sherri Young.

Local health departments and the DH tracked more than 150 people who were potentially exposed, including 128 West Virginia residents from 30 counties and four states.

According to state Health Officer Matthew Christiansen, this case of measles was contained because West Virginia has strong herd immunity against the disease.

“The reason this case of measles was able to be contained is because West Virginia has strong herd immunity, which protects vulnerable people – infants, immunocompromised people, and older adults – from the spread of deadly diseases like measles. The MMR vaccine is the best defense against measles, not only to protect yourself but your loved ones as well,” said Dr. Matthew Christiansen, State Health Officer. “While this case was contained, outbreaks of the virus continue to plague other states. We encourage all West Virginians to check their vaccination records and get vaccinated if they are not immune.”

Despite recent legislative challenges, both doses of the measles vaccine are required for a child to enter kindergarten in West Virginia.

On March 27, Gov. Jim Justice vetoed a bill to ease vaccine requirements for many of the state’s school-age children.

On the final day of bill signing from the 2024 regular legislative session, Justice vetoed House Bill 5105.

The controversial bill would have changed West Virginia’s vaccination requirements by allowing virtual public school students to be exempt from vaccination policies and for private and parochial schools to institute their own policies either exempting students or not.

According to a press release from the DH this measles case highlights the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations.

The measles vaccine is typically given in two doses with the first recommended between 12 and 15 months of age. The second dose is recommended between four and six years.

Unless they have other evidence of immunity, adults born after 1956 should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine, and two appropriately spaced doses of MMR vaccines are recommended for healthcare personnel, college students and international travelers.

The Bureau for Public Health recommends MMR vaccination as part of a routine vaccination schedule for all children and adults.

MMR vaccines are available through healthcare providers and local health departments across the state. To find a local health department near you, visit dhhr.gov. To learn more about MMR vaccines, visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Justice Breaks Ground On New State Lab

Dignitaries broke ground Tuesday on a new consolidated state laboratory in South Charleston.

Alongside fellow state leaders, Gov. Jim Justice broke ground on a new state laboratory on Tuesday.

The West Virginia Regional Technology Park is expanding to include the new $250 million West Virginia consolidated state laboratories facility.

Funds for the 300,000-square-foot facility were appropriated by the West Virginia Legislature in 2023 through Senate Bill 1031.

“This is truly a great day for West Virginia as we start turning our dream of a brand new state laboratory into a reality,” Justice said. “When it’s finished, this facility will provide the space and resources many of our state agencies need to properly serve the people of West Virginia. This will make a huge difference and promote collaboration because so many great people from our state agencies will be working together under the same roof. This isn’t just an investment in a new building. This is an investment in the future of our state, and I’m very thankful to see it happen. Finally, I want to thank the West Virginia Regional Tech Park for their efforts in making sure our needs are met during this process.”

Design work is set to conclude by early 2025 and construction is anticipated to be completed by 2027.

When complete, the facility will house the Department of Health’s Office of Laboratory Services, the Division of Labor’s Office of Weights and Measures, the State Police and the Department of Homeland Security forensics lab and the State Medical Examiner.

According to a press release, the facility will also include labs from Marshall University and West Virginia University.

The Department of Administration will operate the facility in cooperation with all of these tenants and the tech park.

More Than 100 West Virginians Potentially Exposed To Measles

More than 100 West Virginians from 30 counties were potentially exposed to measles, according to the Department of Health.

The West Virginia Department of Health (DoH) announced Friday it is monitoring possible transmission of measles following the state’s first case since 2009.

The Monongalia County resident had traveled internationally, and the DoH described the person as “undervaccinated” in a press release.

Since that announcement, state health leaders have learned of 152 additional people who were potentially exposed.

One-hundred-and-twenty-eight of those potentially exposed are West Virginians from 30 different counties.

Working alongside the Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD), the DoH has identified that 62 individuals exposed in West Virginia lack documentation of adequate protection against measles and are considered high risk.

According to a press release, the Bureau for Public Health has been working closely with the MCHD to make sure they have supplies for testing measles as well as availability of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

State Health Officer, Dr. Matthew Christiansen, urged West Virginians with questions about their immunity to get tested.

“Measles is a serious disease that can cause severe symptoms, especially in the most vulnerable kids and adults who are immunocompromised,” Christiansen said. “The MMR vaccine is the best line of defense against measles. If you are unsure about your vaccination history, you can either get vaccinated or a blood test can be ordered through your local healthcare provider to determine your level of immunity.”

According to MCHD, the adult resident developed symptoms and sought medical treatment through the WVU Medicine system. The patient was instructed to isolate at home while test results confirmed the case on April 21, 2024.

Once put into isolation, close contacts, including family members, were educated on isolation and symptom identification, said Edward Abbott, RN, program manager of MCHD Infection Control and Disease Prevention.

A highly contagious viral infection, Measles symptoms can present seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes.

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash will form, starting on the face and spreading downward.

In one out of every 1,000 measles cases, patients can develop encephalitis and subsequent brain damage. One to three of every 1,000 children infected with measles will die from respiratory and/or neurologic complications.

The measles vaccine is typically given in two doses with the first recommended between 12 and 15 months of age. The second dose is recommended between four and six years and, in West Virginia, is required before entering Kindergarten.

Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.

First Measles Case In 15 Years Announced In W.Va.

West Virginia’s first case of measles in 15 years was reported Monday afternoon.

West Virginia University Hospitals announced Monday that an adult patient who had been seen at an outpatient clinic last week has tested positive for measles (rubeola).

After receiving confirmation of the positive test, WVU Hospitals notified the Monongalia County Health Department.

According to the Department of Health, the Monongalia County resident was “under-vaccinated” and had recent international travel.

According to the Bureau for Public Health, West Virginia’s most recent case of measles was in 2009.

Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years of age are more likely to suffer from complications.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can lead to complications like pneumonia, swelling of the brain and even death.

The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90 percent of the people in close contact will also become infected if they are not protected through vaccination.

“The measles vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from this preventable disease. Those who receive the vaccine are usually considered protected for life,” Secretary of the Department of Health Sherri Young said.

“The threat of measles exposure in the United States has been growing over the last decade. We strongly encourage individuals to follow the CDC’s immunization schedule and get their children fully vaccinated as soon as they are able,” said Dr. Matthew Christiansen, state health officer. “A recent measles outbreak in Pennsylvania sickened nine individuals, almost all of whom were unvaccinated.”

Measles symptoms appear seven-to-14 days after contact with the virus and typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Expands WIC Options

A new rule by the U.S. Department of Agriculture allows more flexibility for families who depend on government assistance for groceries.

The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) announced changes to the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, commonly referred to as WIC.

According to a press release, the program increased the amount of money available to low-income families to purchase fruits and vegetables while allowing more flexibility in selecting foods from a variety of cultures.

“These changes reflect the program’s commitment to promoting healthy eating habits and catering to the diverse nutritional needs of West Virginians. By offering a wider variety of healthy choices, WIC empowers participants to make decisions that boost the health of West Virginians who depend on this program,” said Heidi Staats, director of WV WIC, housed within DH’s Bureau for Public Health.

For 50 years, the federal program has given states the power to provide supplemental food, health care referrals and nutritional education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breast-feeding postpartum women.

The program also benefits infants and children up to five who are found to be at nutritional risk.

According to the DH, West Virginia WIC serves 70 percent of all babies born in the state.

“In a time of rising food insecurity and high food costs, increasing participants’ purchasing power for healthy foods is critical,” Staats said. “The Office of Nutrition Services will work diligently to implement the more complex flexibilities of the WIC food package final rule within the two-year regulatory timeline. However, families can immediately access the enhanced Cash Value Benefit to purchase fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables.”
To learn more about WIC services or how to apply for benefits call 304-558-0030. Visit dhhr.wv.gov/WIC for more information.

Whole Blood Transfusions In Ambulances Could Save Lives In Two W.Va. Counties

More life-saving methods are available on ambulances in two West Virginia counties.

The state Department of Health announced Tuesday that West Virginia is the first state in the country to provide statewide protocols for the administration of whole blood on ambulances.

According to the Department of Health’s Director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services, Joseph Ratliff, whole blood transfusions help restore a patient’s blood volume and clotting function much faster than traditional blood component therapy.

Ratliff said administering whole blood to trauma patients can significantly improve their chances of survival.

“Bleeding is often an early cause of death when it comes to trauma patients, but it doesn’t have to be,” Ratliff said. “I’m pleased to see these two counties stepping up to answer the call by providing this lifesaving service to residents.”

Cabell County EMS started offering the service in November of 2023, and in March of 2024, Harrison County also began carrying whole blood on ambulances.

Paramedics delivering whole blood on ambulances in these two counties are trained to administer the transfusion.

To expand the program, the state needs more blood donations. To make an appointment, donors may download the Red Cross Blood Donor App and use “Rapid Pass” which speeds up the time it takes to donate by allowing donors to fill out the questionnaire online.

Donors may also make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS 1-800-733-2767.