Enhanced Identification, Reporting, and Follow-Up of Perinatal Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Exposures in West Virginia
Summary
West Virginia continues to experience a substantial burden of viral hepatitis, including some of the highest rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the United States. HCV infection is increasingly prevalent among women of reproductive age, and an estimated 2.9% of live births in West Virginia occur to women with evidence of HCV infection. Additionally, West Virginia consistently reports the nation’s highest rates of acute HBV infection.
Perinatal transmission of viral hepatitis remains a significant and preventable cause of chronic liver disease. Timely identification, reporting, and follow-up of infected pregnant persons and exposed infants are essential to preventing transmission and ensuring appropriate medical care.
Healthcare providers, birthing facilities, pediatric providers, obstetric providers, and local health departments play a critical role in identifying exposed infants and ensuring completion of recommended follow-up activities.
Full HAN located in the Health Alert Page.
Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department
1500 Chapline Street, Room 106
Wheeling, WV 26003
(Get Directions)
Howard Gamble, MPH, LHA
Administration
(304) 234-3682
(304) 830-0420
[email protected]
Mark Kennedy, LPN
Nursing
(304) 234-3682
[email protected]
Lock Johnson, RS
Chief Inspector-Environmental
(304) 234-3682
[email protected]
Savannah Lowe, MS, RD, LD
Nutrition Director
(304) 234-3888
[email protected]
Wayland Harris, EMT-P
Threat Preparedness Director
(304) 234-3682
[email protected]
Amy Martinkosky, BS, MA, MD
Project HOPE Coordinator
(304) 234-3682
(740) 312-5777
[email protected]
Faith Gandy, MPH
Regional Epidemiologist
(304) 234-3682
[email protected]
Posted 06/01/26
THIS IS AN OFFICIAL WEST VIRGINIA HEALTH ADVISORY #234 Distributed via the WV Health Alert Network – June 1, 2026 During the months of June and July 2026, West Virginia is expected to experience increased travel and tourism associated with several large events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Independence Day celebrations, 2026 National Scout Jamboree, and other regional gatherings. Healthcare providers should maintain heightened awareness for travel-associated, emerging, and seasona...
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