West Virginia § 16-3-3 - 16-3-3. Communicable diseases on vessels or trains; offenses; penalty.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 16-3-3 — 16-3-3. Communicable diseases on vessels or trains; offenses; penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16-3-3. 16-3-3. Communicable diseases on vessels or trains; offenses; penalty.

The state department of health, its agents and employees, and the local boards of health, in the absence of the state department, its agents and employees, when they have reason to believe that any steamboat or other watercraft navigating the Ohio river or its tributaries in this state, or any other of the waters of the state, or bordering thereon, is infected with any communicable disease, may prevent the landing of such boat or craft at any point in this state. They may also, if they have reason to believe that any railroad train, coach or other vehicle passing on or along any railroad in this state, contains any person having a communicable disease or any thing infected with contagious matter, detain such train, coach or vehicle at any station or point on such railroad where it can be done with safety, for a time sufficient to examine the same, and if found to be so infected, for a time sufficient to disinfect the same; and if the conductor or person in charge of such train, coach or vehicle, shall willfully fail or refuse to stop the said train, coach or vehicle for the time aforesaid, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, punished as prescribed in section two of this article.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 16-3-3

What does West Virginia Code § 16-3-3 cover?

Section 16-3-3 ("16-3-3. Communicable diseases on vessels or trains; offenses; penalty.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite West Virginia § 16-3-3?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 16-3-3" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of West Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

How does West Virginia § 16-3-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.