A communicable disease is one that is spread from one person to another through a variety of ways that include: contact with blood and bodily fluids; breathing in an airborne virus; or by being bitten by an insect. Because communicable diseases can have so much impact on the population, the surveillance and control of such diseases is an important part of protecting the public's health.

 The Communicable Disease program provides information for the public and health care providers about the spread of contagious illnesses.  The goal of the Communicable Disease Program is to ensure proper reporting of communicable diseases, investigate suspected outbreaks, surveillance, and prevention to protect the health of the public. 

 When a communicable disease is reported, an investigation begins. The goal is to stop the spread of the disease and hopefully find the source. We prevent the spread of disease by investigating cases and outbreaks, promoting vaccination, and planning for infectious disease emergencies. A goal of this program is preventing the spread of disease, and identifying disease threats.

For more information or questions regarding communicable disease please call our office at 910-893-7550.

Because communicable diseases can have so much impact on the population, the surveillance and control of such diseases is an important part of protecting the public's health. The Communicable Disease Branch of the Division of Public Health primarily deals with infectious diseases that are reportable by law to the state health department, as well as a few other communicable diseases of public health significance such as influenza, norovirus and certain healthcare-associated infections.