Lolita Kirk, left, chief of staff at the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department and a KCHD employee for more than 30 years, receives the West Virginia Association of Local Health Department’s 2017 Personal Achievement Award from Dr. Michael Brumage, KCHD executive director and health officer.
Archives for January 2018
HEALTH ADVISORY #142 Vigilance for Cases of Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Since acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) was first recognized in the United States in 2014, only two confirmed cases have been reported in West Virginia (both in 2016). Though no cases have been reported in 2017, healthcare providers are encouraged to continue vigilance for cases of AFM among all age groups and report suspected cases of AFM to their local health departments. Reporting of cases will help public health monitor the occurrence of AFM to better understand factors associated with this illness.
HEALTH ADVISORY #143 Widespread Influenza Activity and Severity in West Virginia
Influenza activity has increased significantly in the United States in recent weeks. West Virginia is characterized as having widespread activity. This influenza season is notable for the sheer volume of ill cases that has caused stress to health systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Health Advisory (https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00409.asp) that warned of a high-severity influenza A (H3N2) season and resulting clinical implications. As of January 6, 2018, 20 pediatric influenza deaths were reported nationally, none in West Virginia.