Outbreak Investigation:

• Weekly tabulations of case reports from area physicians and hospitals may detect increases or unusual patterns of communicable diseases. The sanitarian and nurse work together to identify these increases and conduct surveillance to prevent further disease.

Reporting:

• All communicable diseases in the county are reported to the State Health Department weekly or as indicated.

Provider and Community Education:

• Local health care providers are educated about the necessity of reporting communicable diseases to facilitate proper investigation and follow-up.

• Education on new diseases or predicted outbreaks is shared with the community and area health care providers.