Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by germs, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and are spread by an infected person, animal, or object to another person. Examples of communicable diseases include pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis, chlamydia, and foodborne or waterborne illnesses. Services provided by the Communicable Disease Unit include:
- Communicable disease investigation and surveillance, including sexually transmitted diseases
- Facilitation of preventative treatment for exposures to serious diseases
- Community education and outreach
Interviews with individuals that have been diagnosed with an infectious disease are conducted by one of our communicable disease nurses. The interviews are completely confidential. Interviews are important to aid us in determining the source of the disease and to limit its spread.
Pertussis
