Comprehensive Report: Active Public Health Outbreaks in West Virginia
As of late 2025, West Virginia's public health landscape is defined by a sharp contrast between successful containment of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and a struggling response to systemic outbreaks involving respiratory illnesses and sexually transmitted infections. While the state has effectively shielded itself from the regional measles resurgence, it faces a 15-year high in pertussis cases and a persistent, complex HIV crisis in its urban centers.
The following report details the status of active outbreaks, supported by data from the West Virginia Department of Health (DHHR), the CDC, and local surveillance units.
Pertussis (2025)
126+
Highest case count in 15 years
Congenital Syphilis
442%
Increase in rate (2017-2021 trend)
Measles Cases
0
Confirmed in 2025 (vs. outbreaks in 5 border states)
Respiratory Virus Surge: The Immediate Threat
The 2024-2025 respiratory season has proven unusually severe for specific pathogens. The most alarming development is the resurgence of Pertussis (Whooping Cough). As of November 2025, the state has identified over 126 cases, a number not seen in over a decade. The outbreak is concentrated heavily in the western region of the state, affecting primarily school-aged children and adolescents.
Concurrently, COVID-19 transmission remains "growing" according to CDC wastewater and emergency department surveillance. While influenza activity is currently low, it is on an upward trajectory typical for the season. An unexpected outlier in late 2025 is a significant uptick in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), with outbreaks reported in childcare centers across the region, mirroring trends in neighboring Virginia.
| Disease / Condition | Status | Primary Location(s) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pertussis | Active Outbreak | Western Region | ? Rapid Increase |
| HIV | Persistent / Monitored | Kanawha & Monongalia Counties | ? Stable / Data Gaps |
| Syphilis | Epidemic Levels | Statewide | ? Significant Rise |
| Measles | Contained | None (Border Risks Only) | ? Zero Cases |
HIV & Viral Hepatitis: A Persistent Crisis
Kanawha County Cluster
The HIV outbreak in Kanawha County, once labeled the "most concerning" in the nation by the CDC, has shown a statistical decline in new cases from its 2021 peak. However, conflicting viewpoints exist regarding this data. While state officials cite the drop as a victory, public health experts and advocacy groups warn that the numbers may reflect reduced testing volume rather than true containment. The restriction of harm reduction services (needle exchanges) remains a contentious policy issue that critics argue is prolonging the underlying transmission risk.
Monongalia County Cluster
A separate, distinct cluster was identified in Monongalia County beginning in May 2023, primarily affecting men who have sex with men (MSM). Unlike the injection-drug-driven outbreak in Kanawha, this cluster requires different intervention strategies. As of late 2025, response efforts remain active, with local health departments emphasizing PrEP access and community outreach.
The Silent Epidemic: Syphilis
West Virginia is currently battling a severe syphilis epidemic that mirrors national trends but with higher intensity. Between 2017 and 2021, the rate of primary and secondary syphilis rose by 250%. More critically, cases of Congenital Syphilis (transmission from mother to child) surged by 442% in the same period.
Surveillance data from 2024 and 2025 indicates this trend has not reversed. Neighboring states like Virginia have reported a 34% increase in early syphilis cases through 2024, and West Virginia's data historically tracks closely with these regional surges. Public health advisories continue to urge aggressive screening for pregnant women to prevent infant mortality and severe health complications.
Measles: A Success Story
In a notable public health victory, West Virginia remains one of the few states in the region with zero confirmed measles cases in 2025. This stands in stark contrast to all five bordering states (Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland), which have all managed active outbreaks this year.
Health officials attribute this resilience to West Virginia's stringent school immunization laws, which allow only medical exemptions. Despite a scare in March 2025 involving potential exposure at Dulles International Airport, high community immunity levels prevented secondary transmission within the state.