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The purpose of this program is to prevent the spread of serious
infectious diseases. Area physicians and hospitals are required to
notify the Board of Health within certain time frames and all suspected
and confirmed cases of communicable disease. Often times area
laboratories, school officials, and/or families will report such disease
to the health department. Health department personnel investigate and
follow up on all reports of communicable diseases to assure that the
case is under medical supervision and following appropriate
medication/restriction orders and spread of the disease is prevented.
Some diseases require notification and possible treatment of patient
contacts (e.g. family, friends, etc.). Early identification of infected
persons employed in sensitive occupations (e.g. direct food handling,
care givers, hospital workers, etc.) is essential to prevent further
spread of diseases. Teaching is provided to help prevent further
outbreaks of the disease and to give instructions on specifics regarding
disease, including infection control techniques. |
