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Viruses

COVID-19

The wearing of masks at the Wetzel Tyler County Health Department is no longer required.

WV COVID Reports

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus designated SARS-CoV-2 that spreads person to person. COVID-19 was first identified in December 2019 in the Far East. It has since spread rapidly to countries worldwide, including the United States. This situation poses a serious public health risk. West Virginians at the state, private sector, community, and family level are working to reduce COVID-19’s effect on both our state’s health and its economy.

COVID-19 can cause mild to severe illness. Some people have little to no symptoms; many have mild disease, but can spread it to others. Severe illness typically, though not always, occurs in older adults or in those with chronic diseases. Social distancing and other community mitigation measures are one of our most powerful tools to reduce spread and protect each other, our families, and our communities.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, so information and recommendations may change. It is important to stay up to date with the most current information.

For additional information, please explore this website, visit the the WV DHHR website, visit CDC’s website, or call DHHR's COVID-19 information hotline 24/7, toll-free at 1-800-887-4304.

Source: https://dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx

Flu

Prevent the flu
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. Remember, it is important that healthcare workers, household members and other people in close contact with high-risk people, get the flu shot. In the absence of vaccine, however, there are other ways to protect against flu. Please see the below links to learn how to protect yourself from and stop the spread of the flu.

Pandemic Influenza

Smallpox

What is smallpox?
Smallpox is caused by variola virus. It is an “old” disease, having naturally occurred throughout the world for many centuries. Mortality is estimated at 30%. Smallpox was the first disease for which a vaccine was demonstrated when persons were “vaccinated” using cowpox in 1796. Smallpox vaccine was routinely administered in the U.S. until 1972 when it was discontinued. The last naturally occurring case of smallpox in the world occurred in 1977, and the world was declared to be smallpox-free in 1980. No smallpox cases have appeared since that time.

What are the symptoms of smallpox?

  • Initial symptoms include high fever, fatigue, headache, and backache. Abdominal pain and delirium may also occur.
  • Two to three days following initial symptoms, a raised red rash appears in the mouth and throat, on the face and forearms, then spreads to the trunk and legs.
  • Within 1-2 days, the rash changes to round, raised blisters that fill with pus.
  • Early in the second week, the round pus-filled pox begin to crust and scabs develop.
  • After about 3-4 weeks, the scabs fall off, leaving pitted scars.

How soon after exposure would symptoms begin?
Symptoms generally develop between 7 and 17 days after exposure.

Can smallpox be spread person to person?

  • Smallpox is spread from one person to another by infected saliva droplets (coughing, sneezing, spitting, etc.)
  • Persons with smallpox are most infectious during the first week of the illness when the virus is present in large amounts in their saliva.
  • The risk of infecting other people lasts until all scabs have fallen off.
  • Contaminated clothing and bedding can also spread smallpox.

How likely is it that I will be exposed to smallpox?
Historically, the last reported case of smallpox in West Virginia occurred in 1948. Use of smallpox as a weapon is thought to be unlikely. Smallpox is highly contagious and could cause disease in terrorists and their own allies.

How could an intentional release of smallpox be managed?
Early recognition by physicians is key to managing this illness. Public health officials could use the same strategy as was used in the eradication of smallpox, ring vaccination. Ring vaccination means that vaccine is given to direct contact of case and household contacts of contacts. The vaccine is effective against smallpox if given within 4 days of exposure.