This advisory pertains to antigen tests that have been granted a US FDA Emergency Use Authorization (FDA EUA) to detect SARS-CoV-2. The first SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests to receive FDA EUA are authorized for testing symptomatic persons within 5-7 days of symptom onset and there are limited data on antigen test performance in asymptomatic persons. However, given the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic nursing home residents and healthcare personnel (HCP) with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the WVDHHR is providing considerations for the use of antigen tests for asymptomatic persons during this public health emergency.
HEALTH ALERT #169 New Laboratory Data Reporting Elements for COVID-19 and Death Reporting
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Public Health (BPH) continues to respond to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in West Virginia. The purpose of this advisory is to update healthcare providers on new national requirements for COVID-19 laboratory test data elements. These added reporting requirements will help assure rapid public health response to COVID-19 across West Virginia communities.
HEALTH ALERT/UPDATE #168 Enpanding Testing for COVID-19: Clinician-Suspected Re-infection
In light of increased testing availability, evolving information on COVID-19 (pre-symptomatic and potentially asymptomatic spread), and increasing community movement and activities, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR), Bureau for Public Health (BPH) supports expanded provider and community testing for COVID-19. Providers should work with more than a single laboratory to assure ongoing availability of supplies and services. Viral testing supplies should first be obtained through the lab performing the test, but if not available, may be accessed through the West Virginia Office of Laboratory Services (OLS) working through your local health department (LHD).
HEALTH ALERT/UPDATE #166 COVID-19
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) and the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (WVBPH) continue to respond to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in West Virginia. WVBPH is working closely with state agencies, local and federal partners to monitor the ongoing risk of COVID-19 and to ensure the health and protection of state residents. Below is information pertaining to personal protective equipment (PPE) conservation efforts, laboratory and death reporting, online requests for testing through the WV Office of Lab Services, and Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).
ADVISORY for Self-Isolation of the Kanawha Charleston Health Department
The Governor of West Virginia has ordered a mandatory Stay-at-Home Order, effective on March 24, 2020, at 8:00pm, requiring all citizens to stay at home and limit movements outside their homes beyond essential needs, in order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In a further effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, […]
Guidance for Kanawha Judicial Annex employees
Because of possible COVID exposure of employees in the Kanawha Judicial Annex, the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department recommends employees do the following: Employees must isolate themselves until April 6. Employees should monitor their temperatures twice daily. If fevers increase or they have other symptoms—cough, shortness of breath—they should contact their health care providers. The general definition […]
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-10) Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Casinos Closures March 2020
Governor Jim Justice issued an Executive Order, which is now in effect, formally directing all restaurants and bars in West Virginia to limit service to carry out, drive-thru, and delivery operations only. The Executive Order also mandates the closure of all casinos in West Virginia.
Restaurants with carry out, drive-thru, and delivery options will still be able to operate those services, even as their dining rooms are temporarily closed. The order officially went into effect on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at 12:00 a.m. (midnight).
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Health Update # 165 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak
Public health authorities in West Virginia continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 outbreak and engage others in planning forward. Updated assessment/recommendations include the following:
• At this time, West Virginia has no confirmed cases of COVID-19. Community spread is being detected in a growing number of countries, including parts of the U.S. As community spread increases, we anticipate the arrival and local transmission of COVID-19 in our state.
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HEALTH ALERT #164 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Outbreak
There is a rapidly expanding outbreak in China of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus abbreviated “2019-nCoV”. This virus is spreading from person-to-person in China and exported cases have been detected in a growing number of countries internationally. Imported cases of 2019-nCoV infection in people have been detected in the US. While limited person-to-person spread among close contacts has been detected in the US, there is currently no evidence that 2019-nCoV is actively spreading across US communities.
HEALTH ALERT #163 Update on Vaping-Associated Lung Injuries
• E-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI), previously referred to as vaping-
associated lung injury, should be reported within 24 hours to the local health department (LHD) or to the Bureau for Public Health (BPH) by calling (304) 558-5358 per the Reportable Disease Rule 64-CSR-7.
• Rapid recognition of patients with EVALI, increased understanding of diagnostic and treatment considerations, and timely reporting to public health could reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this injury.
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HEALTH ADVISORY #162 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections Among People Who Inject Drugs — Additional Area Seeing Increase, Others Vulnerable
HIV has long been present across West Virginia, although at low levels. With the state’s opioid and now broader substance use epidemic, West Virginia has been increasingly vulnerable to HIV outbreak(s) among persons who inject drugs (PWID). The sharing of injection drug equipment as well as high-risk sexual practices associated with substance use generate this vulnerability. The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (BPH) actively monitors HIV diagnoses across the state and works with local and federal partners to prevent, investigate and respond to increases.
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Vaping and e-cigarette information for parents
What’s the bottom line on the risks of e-cigarettes for kids, teens and young adults?
• The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults.
HEALTH ALERT #161 Severe Pulmonary Illness Associated with Vaping
Multiple states have reported cases of severe pulmonary illness primarily among adolescents and young adults who report vaping (use of e-cigarette and similar devices to inhale aerosolized liquid). Patients reported vaping both nicotine and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products. Product names are unknown. The Bureau for Public Health has begun to investigate sporadic cases. During 2017-2018, current e-cigarette use in the
U.S. increased by 78% (from 11.7% to 20.8%) among middle and high school students. It is important to note that West Virginia has a high rate of youth vaping. The Bureau for Public Health is calling for expanding surveillance to more readily identify any illnesses and medical incidents caused by vaping.
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HEALTH ADVISORY #160 24th World Scout Jamboree
This Health Advisory serves as a reminder to all healthcare providers and laboratorians to report outbreaks, communicable diseases, and unusual conditions or emerging infectious diseases during the 24th World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) as required by the West Virginia Legislative Rule for Reportable Diseases, Events and Conditions (64CSR7). West Virginia will host the WSJ July 22, 2019 – August 2, 2019 at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve (SBR) in Mount Hope, West Virginia. The WSJ is anticipated to be one of the largest mass gatherings in the State’s history with over 43,000 scouts from 138 countries. Additionally, SBR will be open to day visitors, increasing the number of people on the reserve to approximately 50,000. The event is expected to bring an increased number of visitors to Fayette, Raleigh and surrounding counties.
HEALTH ADVISORY #159 Vector-borne Disease Season
With the spring season comes an increase in mosquito and tick activity in West Virginia. Vector-borne diseases occur annually beginning in early spring and peaking in August and September when people and arthropod vectors are most active outdoors. Health providers can educate patients on preventive measures, including use of recommended insect repellents with DEET and permethrin, to prevent bites and control diseases spread by mosquitoes and ticks.