COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL

Outbreak Investigations

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
  • 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

For more information concerning reportable diseases visit the West Virginia Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services website.

Infographic: Protect your child from measles. Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Unvaccinated travelers who get measles in other countries continue to bring the disease into the United States. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine: 1st dose at 12-15 months, 2nd dose at 4-6 years. Traveling abroad with your child? Infants 6-11 months old need 1 dose of measles vaccine before traveling abroad. Children 12 months and older should receive 2 doses before travel. Check with your pediatrician before leaving on your trip to make sure your children are protected.