Communicable Disease and Epidemiology

The Communicable Disease program protects and promotes the health and well-being of St. Charles County residents through public health surveillance, field investigations, health assessments, emergency preparedness activities and epidemiological studies. Information collected from these activities is shared within a regional network that includes state and local health departments and health facilities such as hospitals, physicians' offices and other care givers. This information helps to identify residents at increased health risk, to assess causality and to recommend preventative measures our community can undertake to decrease the burden of disease and injury.

Activities

The St. Charles County Communicable Disease and Epidemiology staff conducts a wide range of activities, including:

• Conducting investigations on reported cases of illness outbreaks and notifiable communicable diseases
• Using active and passive surveillance systems to detect community health trends or the presence of diseases in the community
• Analysis and distribution of public health data
• Providing communicable disease information to healthcare providers, child care centers, schools, and other members of the community
• Maintaining partnerships with healthcare providers, first responders and other key community groups
• Engaging in bio-terrorism preparedness and response activities and trainings related to emerging diseases

Statistics and Reports

In cooperation with a regional health network, the St. Charles County Epidemiologist tracks and analyzes statistics and information that detail public health concerns affecting St. Charles County. This information can be useful for consumers and the general public alike. View these reports.