The health department is required to investigate all instances of communicable diseases in the county as reported by local physicians and hospitals. These could include diseases as Chickenpox, HIV/AIDS, tick-borne illness to food-borne illness and much more.

The department takes the time to investigate the situation and find out where the disease was contracted, who has been exposed and assist with physician follow-up as deemed appropriate. Some diseases can be life-threatening and this process is not taken lightly. The department also investigates all animal bites to determine the risk for Rabies exposure, and strongly recommends seeking medical care following ANY animal bite/scratch.

Disease Surveillance has been the cornerstone of public health since the US Congress authorized the Public Health Service to collect morbidity data for cholera, smallpox, plague, and yellow fever in 1878. Currently, all states conduct notifiable disease surveillance following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists. Communicable disease surveillance is complex, but is a necessity to ensure the safety of the community.

The department has nurses whom specialize in communicable disease investigation in conjunction with regional and state epidemiologists.

Call us for more information at 660-258-7251.