The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) is the official reporting agency for COVID-19, which in turn provides official case numbers to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medical providers and laboratories are required to report positive test results to DHHR. The data in the daily reports include all known positive cases but underreports the total number of individuals tested as not all laboratories are able to electronically submit negative test results.
ABOUT
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus designated SARS-CoV-2 that spreads person to person. COVID-19 was first identified in December 2019 in the Far East. It has since spread rapidly to countries worldwide, including the United States. This situation poses a serious public health risk. West Virginians at the state, private sector, community, and family level are working to reduce COVID-19’s effect on both our state’s health and its economy.
COVID-19 can cause mild to severe illness. Some people have little to no symptoms; many have mild disease, but can spread it to others. Severe illness typically, though not always, occurs in older adults or in those with chronic diseases. Social distancing and other community mitigation measures are one of our most powerful tools to reduce spread and protect each other, our families, and our communities.
This is a rapidly evolving situation, so information and recommendations may change. It is important to stay up to date with the most current information.
For additional information, please explore this website, visit CDC’s website, or call DHHR's COVID-19 information hotline 24/7, toll-free at 1-800-887-4304.