The local health officer, in exercising any of the powers or authority vested in him by sections nine, ten, eleven, twelve, sixteen and twenty-one of this article with respect to any patient, minor or other person suffering or believed by him to be suffering from any venereal disease or diseases, may forthwith cause any such patient, minor or other person to be delivered into the custody of the state department of health for detention and treatment as provided in this article.
West Virginia Legal Code