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 06/15/26
Planning an upcoming festival or event? The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department can help. Provide a list of permitted food vendors Discuss vendor permits and inspections with new operations Assist with mass gathering permitting Assistance with Temporary Food Permits Provide Food Handler Training Inspect Food operations prior and during the event In West Virginia, a Food Handler Card belongs to the individual worker, verifying they know safe food-handling practices. A ...
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