Disease Prevention

Disease Prevention

Our goal is to protect the health and welfare of residents through the identification of potential communicable disease problems and to control the spread of infectious disease within the county.

The health department works several ways to prevent disease in our community.

• The communicable disease program provides investigation and follow-up on reportable communicable diseases.
• Our immunization program offers a wide-array of both adult and child vaccinations. Not only can we bill most insurance companies, we also offer the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program for uninsured or underinsured children. There is no cost for these vaccines, and only a small administrative fee per visit, which is billable to Medicaid. Our public health nurses also draw blood to check lead levels in children and can tell you what vaccinations are recommended for travel abroad.
• Very low cost laboratory services for most blood tests are offered every week. An order from your medical provider is required and results are usually available within a few days. Calling ahead for an appointment time is recommended.

What can you do to prevent getting a communicable disease?

• Wash your hands well and often with soap and water. This is the most important infection control measure.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, throw away the tissue.
• If you are near a person who is coughing or sneezing, keep a distance from them of at least 3 feet.
• Prepare and handle food in a sanitary manner.
• If something doesn’t taste right, don’t eat it. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Dispose of wastes properly.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces regularly.
• Use latex or vinyl gloves for contact with blood.