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 seasonal infectious diseases, including but not limited to measles, influenza, mpox, hepatitis A, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. Increased travel and population movement may elevate the risk of disease importation and transmission.

This Health Advisory serves as a reminder to healthcare providers and laboratorians to promptly report outbreaks, communicable diseases, unusual conditions, and emerging infectious diseases in accordance with the West Virginia Legislative Rule for Reportable Diseases, Events and Conditions (64CSR7).

To support enhanced surveillance activities, healthcare facilities are encouraged to include “PUBH26” in the chief complaint field when applicable. The West Virginia Department of Health is also monitoring the use of ICD-10 code Y93.82 (Activity, spectator at an event) to assist with event-related surveillance efforts.

Situations that should be reported to public health include:

  • Outbreaks or clusters of disease (immediately reportable to the local health department)
  • Reportable diseases as defined by 64CSR7
  • Unusual conditions or emerging infectious diseases (reportable within 24 hours to the local health department)

Early recognition and reporting of infectious diseases are critical to protecting public health and supporting timely investigation and response activities. Additional resources can be found on our website at: https://oeps.wv.gov/. For questions or to report a public health concern, please contact the Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services Epidemiologist-On-Call at (304) 558-5358.

 

Attachments

WV Health Advisory 234