Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Disease Control Program

The Communicable Disease Control Program provides ongoing surveillance and control of significant infectious diseases, such as meningitis, pertussis (whooping cough), e-coli, and hepatitis. Our staff works with medical providers, hospitals, and laboratories to:

Detect and report cases of significant infectious disease.
Investigate the circumstances of each case.
Provide pertinent information to families and communities.
Recommend and implement measures to control the spread of disease.
Provide infection-control training to community agencies and organizations.

The population of Washington County is highly mobile, which increases the probability and the spread of communicable diseases in our communities. In addition, many newly emerging diseases (e.g., hepatitis C, hantavirus) have contributed to the complexity of disease surveillance and control in Washington County.

To report a communicable disease, please call
319-653-7758 or 1-800-655-7758

To report a communicable disease after hours or on weekends, please call

1-800-362-2736

Links

· Centers for Disease Control – http://www.cdc.gov

· Iowa Bureau of Disease Prevention and Immunization
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/immunization.asp

Tuberculosis Control

The spread of tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious concern among members of our community. Our staff is responsible for:

Detecting new cases of tuberculosis.
Investigating the potential source(s) of the illness.
Ensuring proper medical care and treatment of the patient.
Providing screening and follow-up to other individuals who may have been exposed.
Providing technical assistance and consultation to community health care providers and other agencies or institutions.
Implementing the State Medication Program -- Providing free TB therapy for all latent TB infection and suspected and active cases for persons who reside within the State of Iowa