CD Reporting, Investigation and Surveillance

 

Prevention and control of communicable diseases is an important core function of Public Health.  The Communicable Disease staff monitors, tracks and responds to infectious disease reports in the community, working quickly to prevent further spread of the disease.  Health care providers, laboratories and healthcare facilities must report 60 notifiable conditions. These reports are investigated and tracked to identify outbreaks or trends that require intervention. 

 

A General Communicable Disease Information Line is available to the general public who may have questions, concerns, or just need information. It is monitored intermittently throughout the day 8 – 5 Monday through Friday except on holidays.  Messages left on this voice mail typically will be returned within 24 hours as they are picked up by assigned staff.  This message center can be reached by calling (509) 460-4200 then press option 4 to leave a voice mail message.

 

          Clinic Services and Viral Hepatitis Outreach

 

Testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are available by appointment at our Pasco office.  Low cost testing is available as well as a sliding scale fee option.  Free Twinrix (Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A vaccine) is available, while supplies last, for individuals who meet certain financial qualifications and are  considered high risk (men who have sex with men, injection drug users, individuals who are Hepatitis C positive, sex partners of high risk individuals).  Bilingual service is available. Appointments can be made by call the Pasco office at (509) 547-9737.

 

     HIV/AIDS Prevention

 

HIV counseling, testing and referral services as well as education to those at highest risk for HIV are conducted in a variety of locations.  The CDC Harm Reduction and Prevention Counseling method is used to encourage individuals to self identify their risk and make safer behavior choices. Bilingual Spanish education is available.

 

     HIV/AIDS Case Management

 

Medical Case Management is available to HIV positive individuals in accordance with the Statewide Standards for Medical HIV Case Management adopted in April of 2007.  The nurse Case Manager plays a vital role in helping clients navigate and access HIV/AIDS care as they assist them in addressing barriers while providing services that are flexible to the client’s current medical and social needs. Bilingual service is available. The HIV Case manager can be reached by calling the Pasco office (509) 547-9737.

 

 

       Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention

 

Women who are Hepatitis B carriers need special care to assure their baby does not contract the infection from them.  Perinatal hepatitis B is reported to the Health Department by healthcare providers.  The Health Department then assures that the mother, baby, and other at risk family members have access to the vaccinations they need to prevent contracting Hepatitis B.

 

     Refugee Screenings

 

Each year 200 – 300 Refugees arrive into our community from a variety of locations around the world.  Refugees are individuals that are allowed into the United States (and other welcoming countries) as a result of unsafe conditions in their home country.  The Screening Clinic is the Refugees first glimpse at the American medical system. Routine screenings are conducted to look for communicable diseases that might need treatment or other urgent healthcare needs that may require referral to medical providers in the community.

 

 

  Tuberculosis Control

 

The goal of the Tuberculosis (TB) Control program is to prevent the spread of TB by conducting testing and providing treatment.  Skin testing is offered through the Health Department Immunization Clinics.  Referrals are accepted from private providers also.  The TB Control Nurse under the direction of the Health Officer provides case management to individuals who are placed on treatment to monitor their progress.