COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
SURVEILLANCE

The health department is required to investigate all communicable diseases in the county that are reported by local physicians and hospitals. These diseases could range from such things as Chickenpox, HIV/AIDS, tick-borne illness to food-borne illness and much more. For a complete list of reportable communicable diseases visit: http://health.mo.gov/living/ healthcondiseases/communicable/communicabledisease/pdf/reportablediseaselist1.pdf

The department takes the time to investigate the situation and nd 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.

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 noti able 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 who specialize in communicable disease and utilize a regional nurse who has advanced knowledge in epidemiology; we can also utilize state resources as needed.

Call us for more information!

Department of Health and Senior Services:

http://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/communicabledisease/index

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

The Chariton County Health Department participates in the Missouri STD testing program in an effort to reduce illness, healthcare costs and possible complications associated with Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are urine tests permitted for both male and female patients who are symptomatic, or have known contact to a positive case. Antibiotic treatment for positive testing is currently being provided.

Syphilis and HIV testing requires a blood sample, and is permitted for all individuals. Testing is completed at the State Public Health Laboratory. Follow-up services for syphilis/HIV are provided through the Department of Health and Senior Services. Education and counseling for decreasing risk factors and referral services are offered at the time of testing. STD services are provided according to the 2013 STD Testing Program Procedural Guidelines.

Hepatitis C antibody testing is provided free through the Missouri Hepatitis C Alliance. Hepatitis C viral load and genotyping are available at a reduced cost. A blood sample is required for testing.

All services are provided with con dentiality and respect.

For more information on sexually transmitted infections refer to:

http://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm and http://health.mo.gov/data/stdsurveillance/index.php

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Epidemiology is the study of what is upon the people. In modern terms, it is the science of the distribution of disease and its determinants (causes).

Epidemiology is also a process that uses the facts at hand as clues to point to new knowledge and solutions. Epidemiologists have been called “disease detectives” for this reason.

The health department has two nurses with advanced knowledge of epidemiology and a con- tract nurse, who is an expert in epidemiology, is available as a resource.

Epidemiology is especially important to public health to better understand the burden of causes of health problems in human populations and to make changes that decrease risk and improve health.

Epidemiology can help us identify and understand the factors that influence the emergence, severity, and consequences of health problems.

Human beings have always sought to understand and explain the occurrence of disease and death. The modern approach to epidemiology has developed within the past 150 years.

For more information on epidemiology and its importance in health promotion and prevention visit: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/index.html