Communicable Diseases

Communicable disease control is a vital Public Health function of the Carter County Health Center. The staff of the Carter County Health Center are dedicated to promoting the health of the residents of Carter County. Communicable diseases are addressed in two ways: prevention/education,
and reporting /disease tracking.

Prevention/Education

Speakers and programming are available to organizations, work sites, day care centers, etc.

Reporting/Disease Tracking

Reporting communicable, environmental and occupational diseases is required of all laboratories, physicians, hospitals, clinics, or other public/private institutions. In accordance with Chapter 19, CSR 20-20.010 diseases are to be reported to our agency, your local health center.

Category I diseases or findings shall be reported to the local health center within twenty-four (24) hours of first knowledge or suspicion.

Category II diseases or finding shall be reported to the local health center within three (3) days of the first knowledge or suspicion.

Reporting diseases or agents that occur naturally or that might be a result from a terrorist attack involving biological, radiological, or chemical weapons.

The occurrence of an outbreak or epidemic of any illness, disease or condition which may be of public health concern. Including illness in a food handler that is potentially transmissible through food. Also public health threats that could result from terrorist activities such as clusters of unusual diseases or manifestations of illness and clusters of unexplained deaths. Such incidents shall be reported to the local health center or the Department of Health and Senior Services by telephone, facsimile, or other rapid communication within twenty-four (24) hours of first knowledge or suspicion.

Diseases are monitored and a disease investigation is made to determine contacts or risks to the community. Education, counseling and in some cases prophylaxis treatment is provided.

– Tuberculosis Reportable within 24 hours
   – Tuberculosis Disease

– Tuberculosis Reportable within 3 days
   – Mycobacterial disease other than Tuberculosis (MOTT)
   – Tuberculosis infection

Helpful Links:

Missouri Department of Health & Human Services @ https://health.mo.gov/

Communicable Disease Center, Atlanta, GA @ https://www.cdc.gov/DiseasesConditions/

Diseases and Conditions Reportable in Missouri
Click Here

For more information contact the Communicable Disease Nurse:

Virginia Buffington, LPN
Public Health Nurse
573-323-4413 Ext. 232
Email: vbuffington@cartercountyhealth.org

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