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 06/10/26
June 2026 Clinics & Programs Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department FREE TEST KITS AND SUPPLIES – The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department has free Radon Test Kits, NARCAN, Rapid HIV take home test kits, Condoms and more. For more information, call (304) 234-3682 or stop in to pick up a test kit or supplies from the health department. CHILDHOOD/YOUTH IMMUNIZATION CLINIC – Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00am and 1:00-3:00pm. All regular childhood and back-to-school immuniza...
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