Description

Investigates unusual numbers or circumstances of a variety of certain illnesses and conditions, which are reported to the health department. By law, several infectious communicable diseases and certain other conditions must be reported by local physicians, hospitals, and labs. A team of Environmental Health Specialists, Public Health Nurses, Epidemiologists, and the Physician Health Director leads these investigations. When outbreaks are believed to be food or water borne, identification and testing of the potential sources in food and water may be conducted in order to identify the cause of the illness. Education of the public is provided to minimize risk of future outbreaks. Advise potentially rabies exposed persons, in consultation with their physician and the Health Director, regarding post-exposure treatment. Whenever a human being sustains an exposure to a mammal in such a manner as rabies is a concern the health department should be notified as soon as possible after the exposure occurs. May assist in providing pre-exposure treatment for rabies to persons potentially at-risk to occupational exposure to rabies.

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