Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department, Wheeling, WV

11/07/2025

STD & HIV TESTING CLINIC – Free and confidential testing available on a regular basis. Call for an appointment (304) 234-3682. Rapid HIV Testing available. STD testing is free of charge regardless of income or insurance status. Free treatment or referrals, depending on the STD, are available. An appointment is required to be seen. Services are confidential. For information on these services or to make an appointment call (304) 234-3682. Screening is available for: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV. Should a test come back positive, treatment is available free of charge. Treatment can also be obtained for partners of those with positive test at no cost.

11/06/2025

WV HEALTH ALERT ( #231)

The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (BPH) has identified an increase in reported pertussis (whooping cough) cases. Since January 1, 2025, a total of 126 cases have been identified across West Virginia; an increase of this magnitude not seen since 2010. Cases have been identified statewide, with the highest concentration in the western region. The median age of cases is 12 years; 23 (18%) are infants ≤12 months of age, and 28 (22%) have been hospitalized. Pertussis follows cyclical peaks every 3–5 years. Recent data indicate a shift from infant cases to older adolescents and adults, primarily due to waning Tdap immunity, which can decline within one to two years after vaccination (routinely given at ages 11–12). For more information contact the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department at (304) 234-3682.

11/06/2025

PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH) CASE INCREASE IN WEST VIRGINIA

Cases of whooping cough (pertussis) are on the rise in West Virginia and our region. The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department urges residents across our region to stay alert and take action to help prevent the spread of whooping cough. Pertussis is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria and can spread easily through coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms:
•Persistent coughing fits, often followed by a “whooping” sound
•Difficulty breathing during coughing spells
•Vomiting after coughing
•Exhausting following coughing episodes
•Runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough in the early stages

Recommendations:
•Stay up to date on vaccinations that protect against whooping cough (DTaP for young children and TdaP for older children and some adults). Vaccines provide the most effective protection against whooping cough.
•Stay alert for symptoms in yourself and family members. Early symptoms may look like a cold, but in a week or two they get more severe. People may experience violent coughing fits that can cause vomiting or make it hard to breathe.
•Talk to a healthcare provider if you have symptoms. Your healthcare provider may do a test to check for whooping cough. If you are diagnosed with whooping cough, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics. It is important to use antibiotics only as directed by a healthcare provider.
•Take other precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as staying home when sick and practicing good hygiene. Wearing a face mask is also an option to provide another layer of protection.

While pertussis can affect people of all ages, it can be especially serous for infants, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

If experiencing symptoms consistent with pertussis, call ahead before entering any healthcare facility. This will allow staff to take proper precautions to prevent further spread of the illness and ensure the safety of others.

For more information on Pertussis or Pertussis vaccinations, contact the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department at (304) 234-3682.

11/05/2025

As of November 4, 2025, a total of 1,681 confirmed* measles cases were reported in the United States. Among these, 1,658 measles cases were reported by 42 jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. A total of 23 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the U.S.

There have been 44 outbreaks** reported in 2025, and 87% of confirmed cases (1,464 of 1,681) are outbreak-associated. For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated.

*CDC is aware of probable measles cases being reported by jurisdictions. However, the data on this page only includes confirmed cases jurisdictions have notified to CDC.

**CDC reports the cumulative number of measles outbreaks (defined as 3 or more related cases) that have occurred this year in the U.S.; states have the most up-to-date information about cases and outbreaks in their jurisdictions.

11/05/2025

11/03/2025

West Virginia Animal Rabies Surveillance Report (11/3/25)

During the period of January 1 to October 31, 2025, 25 animals tested positive for rabies in West Virginia. The WV Office of Laboratory Services had 23 positive tests including 3 bats, 1 beaver, 2 cats, 3 foxes, 11 raccoons, 1 sheep and 4 skunks. The USDA had two rabies positive animals in 2025 (raccoons from Monongalia County and Mineral County), but their data is only accurate up to August 31, 2025.

11/03/2025

CHILDHOOD/YOUTH IMMUNIZATION CLINIC – Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00am and 1:00-3:00pm. All regular childhood and back-to-school immunizations. Insurance and Medicaid are accepted. Appointments are encouraged. Office location has moved to the 2nd floor of the City/County Building. Call (304) 234-3682.

10/31/2025

From the Wetzel-Tyler Health Department:

10/31/2025

The City of Wheeling Water Department has issued a Boil Order on 10.31.2025 for the Elm Grove area. Affected addresses are listed below.

37-47 Vernon Ave and 45 Sycamore Ave

Customers should boil water for 48 hours after service is restored. Please share this information with residents. A second notification will be sent once the boil order has been released.

10/30/2025

The City of Wheeling Water Department has issued a Boil Order on 10.30.2025 for the Warwood area. Affected addresses are listed below.

116-124 N 7th St (even only) and 128 N 8th St

Customers should boil water for 48 hours after service is restored. Please share this information with residents. A second notification will be sent once the boil order has been released.

10/29/2025

OVER 30 NEW MEASLES CASES ADDED TO OUTBREAK

As of October 28, 2025, a total of 1,648 confirmed* measles cases were reported in the United States. Among these, 1,625 measles cases were reported by 42 jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. A total of 23 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the U.S.

There have been 43 outbreaks** reported in 2025, and 87% of confirmed cases (1,431 of 1,648) are outbreak-associated. For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated.

*CDC is aware of probable measles cases being reported by jurisdictions. However, the data on this page only includes confirmed cases jurisdictions have notified to CDC.

**CDC reports the cumulative number of measles outbreaks (defined as 3 or more related cases) that have occurred this year in the U.S.; states have the most up-to-date information about cases and outbreaks in their jurisdictions.

10/28/2025

Starting October 29, 2025, the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department will be relocating to the 2nd floor of the City/County Building. Office hours and services will remain as scheduled. The temporary move is for the renovation of the 1st floor of the City/County Building and should last for 4-5 months. For more information call the health department at (304) 234-3682.