Breaking News

Health and Sciences

DHHR reminds parents of state immunization requirements

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reminds parents of West Virginia students of the importance of remaining up to date with vaccinations as the back-to-school season approaches. Children who are current with their vaccinations will automatically meet school immunization requirements. All children entering school in West Virginia for the first time in grades K-12 must show proof of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and hepatitis B, unless properly medically exempted. All ...

Lyme Disease cases on the rise in Preston County

KINGWOOD — Cases of Lyme Disease in Preston County are “through the roof,” according to VJ Davis, director of the Preston County Health Department. Davis made the statement during a Preston County Board of Health meeting Wednesday. He said although the state investigates the Lyme Disease cases in the county, health department staff does a lot of the follow up. According to the Department of Health and Human Services office of Epidemiology, Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection caused by bites from deer ticks or black-legged ticks. It is the most common tickborne disease in ...

Smile Express II: MCHD gets $500,000 for new mobile dental clinic

MORGANTOWN — “This is a big one,” Monongalia County Health Department Executive Director Anthony DeFelice announced during Thursday's board of health meeting. “We just signed an agreement with Aetna. They’re going to fund $500,000 for a new mobile clinic and equipment. That’s ...

Health Dept. adapts risk-based inspections for restaurants

Monongalia County food establishments with a history of issues will be inspected more often in a new risk-based system that went into effect this month. “We will spend more time with facilities that aren’t doing as well, maybe because of their history or maybe a language barrier, and they need additional training,” said Jennifer Costolo-Michael, registered sanitarian with Monongalia County Health Department’s Environmental Health program who helped implement the new system. Previously, all food establishments in Monongalia County were inspected twice a year, and more often ...