Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by germs, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites and are spread by an infected person, animal, or object to another person. The Macon County Health Department has a responsibility to the county we serve to investigate any communicable disease that is reported.  Examples of communicable diseases include pertussis (whooping cough), tuberculosis, hepatitis, and foodborne or waterborne illnesses.  In conjunction with the state health department and local health care providers, the Macon County Health Department works to identify, investigate, and control disease outbreaks in our community.

Interviews with individuals that have been diagnosed with an infectious disease are conducted by one of our Communicable Disease nurses. The interviews are completely confidential.  Interviews are important to aid us in determining the source of the disease and to limit the spread of the disease.
 

Sources of infection
Body Fluids: Spread by direct contact with body fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, semen, or vomit.  Examples include Hepatitis B, HIV, and Pinkeye.

Airborne:  Spread by droplets from the nose, throat, and mouth. Examples include cold, chicken pox, influenza, measles and pertussis (whooping cough).

Fecal-oral:  Spread by contact with human stool.  Characterized by upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.  Examples include giardia, rotavirus, hepatitis A, salmonella, norovirus, and campylobacter.

Person to person contact/contact with contaminated items:  Spread by contact with infected skin or with objects such as toys, clothing, and bedding.  Examples include ringworm, scabies, and lice.

Ways to keep you and your family healthy

Keep Immunizations up to date, including pets
Immunization Schedules - visit immunize For more information - visit Immunization hotline
Wash hands often
Use warm water and soap and rub hands together for 20 seconds making sure to get between fingers, under nails, and back of hands. Dry with paper towel Dry with paper towel after using bathroom After using bathroom Before preparing and eating food After changing diaper After blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing After playing with pets After caring for a sick person
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
Take them for the full course but not for nonbacterial illnesses, such as, colds Never self medicate with antibiotics or share them with family or friends
Avoid areas of insect infestation.
West Nile Virus season is in full swing so it is important to protect yourself! Use insect repellents on skin and clothing when in areas where ticks or mosquitoes are common Wear light colored clothing including long sleeve shirts and pants when outside.  Light colored clothing will make ticks more easily seen on clothing before they have a chance to attach to the skin Use tick and mosquito repellent containing 10-20% DEET before entering wooded areas or areas where mosquitoes breed such as, stagnant standing water
	Inspect everyone including pets who have been in the wooded area very carefully Get rid of standing water especially in old tires, cans, and small non chlorinated swimming pools
What can you do to lessen the risk for West Nile Virus
Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or any water-holding containers such as flower pots, swimming pool covers, and pet dishes Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts, etc.) in the yard Keep drains, ditches, and culverts free of weeds and trash so water will drain properly Keep gutters free of leaves and other debris Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use Change the water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once each week Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there
If you have any suspicious symptoms or questions regarding communicable diseases or ways to prevent them contact the Macon County Health Department Communicable Disease Nurses.

Reportable Communicable Diseases