Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases Program

The Communicable Disease Program's staff works to keep people healthy by preventing the spread of communicable diseases.  We monitor reportable communicable diseases, investigate disease outbreaks and epidemics and analyze disease prevalence within Washington County.  We also provide prevention information and educational materials to schools, medical providers, and the public.

When someone in Washington County tests positive for a reportable communicable disease, our staff assesses the situation, determines potential exposures, and assists the person to obtain necessary testing and treatment to limit the severity of the illness and control the spread of the disease. Our epidemiology staff works closely with clinicians throughout the community in this effort.

The Washington County Communicable Diseases Program staff is also actively involved in emergency preparedness and response training, as well as surveillance for potential bioterrorism agents.