HUNTINGTON, West Virginia. The Cabell-Huntington Health Department is currently investigating several recent cases of COVID-19 disease. The cases appear to be related to recent travel to the Myrtle Beach area however no evidence links Cabell County cases to the positive COVID-19 cases in Preston County, WV, which are also reportedly associated with travel to Myrtle Beach.
The case contact tracing unit of the Cabell-Huntington Health Department is completing the interviewing process in this investigation and is advising isolation and quarantine procedures to affected individuals.
When planning holiday and vacation activities as well as in planning for visits from relatives and non-family visitors related to graduations and other summer events, it is important to recognize the risks of COVID-19 spread and to vigorously follow the existing guidance to prevent new infections. The Cabell-Huntington Health Department strongly encourages everyone to practice the measures in place for their protection. These measures include frequent hand washing, face coverings to include a mask, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, avoid close contact and cover coughs and sneezes. Measures must also take special care to protect individuals at increased risk of severe disease – people who are older or have other medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung disease, and others.
“Prevention will always beat case contact tracing in the control of an infectious disease,” said Dr. Michael Kilkenny, physician director of the Cabell Huntington Health Department. “Cabell Countians have done a great job of protecting themselves, but the reopening and reconnecting we are enjoying increases our risks and requires us to pay extra attention to taking care of each other.”
As part of Cabell County’s continued preparation and response for COVID-19, the health department is operating a call center to address general questions and concerns, hours are
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (304) 526-6544. Calls from 4:00 – 6:00 pm are routed to our after hours answering service for distribution and return calls.
Contact:
Elizabeth A. Adkins, MS
Director of Health & Wellness/PIO Cabell-Huntington Health Department (304) 549-4258 elizabeth.adkins@chhdwv.gov cabellhealth.org
