CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia healthcare facilities continue to demonstrate strong progress in protecting patients from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), according to the 2024 Healthcare-Associated Infections Report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“These reductions reflect years of intentional work by infection preventionists, healthcare providers, and public health partners across the state,” said State Epidemiologist Shannon McBee. “West Virginia’s progress shows that focused prevention efforts and strong facility-level practices can make a measurable difference in patient outcomes.”
The CDC report shows significant national declines in most HAIs, with West Virginia also reporting notable reductions when compared to both the national baseline and 2023 data. In particular, West Virginia saw substantial decreases in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), two serious infections closely tied to patient safety practices.
The report also highlights antibiotic stewardship efforts across healthcare settings. Of the 58 acute care hospitals reporting in West Virginia, 98 percent have implemented all seven CDC-recommended core elements for antibiotic stewardship programs. Among long-term care facilities, West Virginia achieved 100 percent implementation in four of the seven core elements, demonstrating meaningful progress in facilities serving older adults and individuals with complex medical needs.
Advertisement
“Antibiotic stewardship is a cornerstone of infection prevention,” said Acting Health Officer Dr. Mark McDaniel. “The high level of implementation across West Virginia hospitals speaks to the commitment of our healthcare system to using antibiotics responsibly and safeguarding their effectiveness for future generations.”
Despite improvements in outpatient antibiotic prescribing rates, West Virginia’s average remains above the national average. This signals an ongoing need and opportunity for continued collaboration with healthcare providers and communities to encourage appropriate antibiotic use.
Graphs summarizing West Virginia’s performance are available for review, and the full CDC report can be accessed at arpsp.cdc.gov.
The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health remains committed to partnering with healthcare facilities, providers and communities to further reduce healthcare-associated infections, strengthen antibiotic stewardship and improve health outcomes for all West Virginians, according to the press release.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a series of parties in Morgantown over the weekend.
Morgantown police officers, West Virginia University Police and state police responded to reports of overcrowded parties, underage drinking, physical altercations and multiple injuries.
Morgantown Communications Director Brad Riffie said several citations were issued for open containers and underage consumption.
Advertisement
Two large parties were dispersed and six arrests were made without incident.
None of the reported injuries are believed to be serious or life-threatening.
The Morgantown Fire Department assisted in the operations.
Hancock County, WV — A Weir High School senior has been recognized as the 2026 West Virginia Student Journalist of the Year.
Hailey Hans was selected for the statewide honor after building a journalism portfolio since her freshman year. She also serves as the staff manager of Weir Student Media, where she oversees articles and is in charge of deadlines.
“When I was a freshman I was placed in the journalism one class, and I actually tried to get pulled from the class. But, then after I sat in the class and I learned a little bit, that’s where my love grew and then from there I continued to take classes, I helped pass a law, and I got to these national conventions. Where it just lit a fire inside me,” Hans said.
Hans is planning to attend West Liberty University in the fall to study education with a minor in journalism, with the goal of becoming a journalism teacher. She will now submit her portfolio for the national-level contest.
The regular season is now behind us, and we are moving on to the next chapter of the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season, the week of conference tournaments.
Advertisement
With their win on Friday over UCF and thanks to TCU taking care of business against Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon, the West Virginia Mountaineers have locked up the No. 7 seed in the Big 12 tournament, meaning they will receive a first-round bye. Ross Hodge’s squad will await the winner of No. 10 BYU and No. 15 Kansas State.
Advertisement
While most may think it’s best to pull for K-State to spring the upset, it’s actually probably better if BYU wins. Why? Well, simply because beating Kansas State isn’t going to boost your resume. If there’s any chance at an at-large bid for the Mountaineers, they need to beat more quality teams. Beating BYU a second time would go a long way, and then springing the upset against Houston in the quarterfinals would really open some eyes.
Anyways, here is a look at all of the matchups and the entire bracket.
First round byes: Iowa State, TCU, West Virginia, UCF
Double byes: Arizona, Houston, Kansas, Texas Tech
Advertisement
Tuesday (First Round)
Game 1: No. 12 Arizona State vs. No. 13 Baylor, 12:30 p.m. on ESPN+
Game 2: No. 9 Cincinnati vs. No. 16 Utah, 3 p.m. on ESPN+
Game 3: No. 10 BYU vs. No. 15 Kansas State, 7 p.m. on ESPN+
Advertisement
Game 4: No. 11 Colorado vs. No. 14 Oklahoma State, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN+
Wednesday (Second Round)
Game 5: No. 5 Iowa State vs. winner of No. 12 Arizona State/No. 13 Baylor, 12:30 p.m. on ESPN/2
Game 6: No. 8 UCF vs. winner of No. 9 Cincinnati/No. 16 Utah, 3 p.m. on ESPNU
Advertisement
Game 7: No. 7 West Virginia vs. winner of No. 10 BYU/No. 15 Kansas State, 7 p.m. on ESPNU
Advertisement
Game 8: No. 6 TCU vs. winner of No. 11 Colorado/No. 14 Oklahoma State, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN2/U
Thursday (Quarterfinals)
Game 9: No. 4 Texas Tech vs. Game 5 winner, 12:30 p.m. on ESPN/2
Advertisement
Game 10: No. 1 Arizona vs. Game 6 winner, 3 p.m. on ESPN/2
Advertisement
Game 11: No. 2 Houston vs. Game 7 winner, 7 p.m. on ESPN/2
Game 12: No. 3 Kansas vs. Game 8 winner, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN/2
Advertisement
Friday (Semifinals)
Game 13: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner, 7 p.m. on ESPN/2
Advertisement
Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN/2
Saturday (Championship)
Game 15: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner, 6 p.m. on ESPN
