Communicable Diseases

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Commmunicable Diseases are . . .

    • Also known as contagious diseases

   • Transmitted from one individual to another

   • Infectious diseases that can be transmitted by
       direct or indirect contact or through the air.

     • Caused by microorganisms, such as protozoa, fungi, viruses,
      and bacteria, that invade the body and cause a series of changes
      that lead to infection and damage to the body; its tissues, organs,
      and organ systems.  These changes may result in death.

•Communicable Disease Reporting

St. Francois County Health Center, Communicable Disease Department conducts both
*passive and *active surveillance for selected infectious diseases to determine the
extent of occurence in our population.  This program seeks to identify, prevent and
control the spread of infectious diseases is a cooperative effort of this agency, the
Missouri Department of Health, Physicians, Hospitals, Schools, Laboratories and others.

When cases of selected diseases are reported, they are investigated by public health
nurses.  These investigations provide the necessary information to determine if a
potential public health threat is present and helps in the decision as to what control
measures should be implemented to address it.

The Department serves as an informational resource for Health Professionals and the
 general public.

*Passive Surveillance - In surveillance of this type, reports of selected diseases are sent to the State and Local Health Department by mandated reporters such as Physicians, Hospitals, Schools, or Laboratories.

*Active Surveillance - In surveillance of this type, the Local Health Department contacts a variety of sites on a weekly basis to collect information on disease occurrence at those places. 

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If you suspect that you have contracted a food-borne illness contact the St.Francois County Health Center immediately at 573-431-1947.

To report an infectious disease (communicable disease), please call the
St. Francois County Health Center, CD Office @ 573-431-1947 ext 141
between 8:00am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday

  or contact 

 http://www.cdc.gov/

     or contact  

Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102

Phone: 573-751-6400 Fax: 573-751-6041 e-mail: info@dhss.mo.gov

• The Communicable Disease Office, in conjunction with the
Environmental Health Department, also conducts investigations
into food borne illnesses.