Tick exposures in West Virginia generally increase during spring and summer months and serves as an important reminder that tickborne diseases occur seasonally in West Virginia. Healthcare providers should have heightened clinical suspicion for Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses.
Lyme Disease
In 2017, West Virginia became a high Lyme disease incidence state. With a rate of 100.14 new cases per 100,000 residents in 2021, West Virginia has one of the highest Lyme disease incidence rates in the nation. Lyme disease is transmitted by the tick lxodes scapularis (blacklegged tick or deer tick). Ticks collected from West Virginia were tested and found positive for Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Ixodes scapularis ticks in West Virginia have a Borrelia burgdorferi infection rate greater than 20%. Ixodes scapularis populations are established throughout West Virginia. If left untreated, Lyme disease infection can spread to the joints, heart, and the nervous system. The quicker the medical intervention by healthcare providers, the less likely negative outcomes are to occur. Prophylactic treatment following a tick bite is an effective early intervention method. Ixodes scapularis tick nymphs begin emergence in the middle of May and most people become infected with Lyme disease in June.
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]
Elizabeth Fowler, RN
Nursing Director
(304) 234-3682
[email protected]
Lock Johnson, RS
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]
Crystal Bauer, RN
Project HOPE Director
(304) 639-7443
[email protected]
Posted 06/01/23
June 2023 Clinics & Programs Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department CHILDHOOD/Youth IMMUNIZATION CLINIC – Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00am and 1:00-3:00pm. All regular childhood and back-to-school immunizations, including childhood COVID-19 vaccinations. Appointments are encouraged, but not necessary, call (304) 234-3682. PPD (TB) SKIN TESTING CLINIC – Mondays 1:30pm for administration of test and follow up reading on Thursday 9:00am. PPD skin testing for exposure to...
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