Communicable diseases are those which are infectious or contagious. They can be transmitted directly from person to person or animal to person, or indirectly through contaminated food and beverages, particularly water. Communicable diseases are a continuing and significant threat to man, and despite the eradication of some diseases, new bacteria and viruses are continuously emerging, or reemerging in multi-drug resistant forms.
The role of the Communicable Disease professional is to control and prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases in a population or community through surveillance, investigation, detection, recognition and/or identification of pathogens, facilitation of preventive treatment and/or education, reporting and evaluation.
The early identification of infectious diseases, and the control of these illnesses, rests with the primary care provider who recognizes a communicable disease, an unusual case presentation, or a cluster of like-symptoms. Michigan Communicable Disease Rules (R 325.171 et al) require physicians and laboratories to report communicable diseases to local health departments. For a listing of reportable diseases and time requirements, click here.
The Communicable Disease unit of the Barry Eaton District Health Department provides a wide range of communicable disease-related services. These include:
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
Providing diagnosis, treatment and partner notification for sexually transmitted infections. For more information about STDs and HIV, click here.
- Immunizations
Providing childhood immunizations with the ultimate goal of eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases. For more information about immunizations, click here.
- Animal Exposures
Providing follow-up and consultation for animal bites and other animal exposures, including bat exposures. For more information about animal exposures, click here.
- Tuberculosis
Providing tuberculosis consultation and treatment. For more information about TB, click here.
- Schools and Daycare
Providing consultation to schools, childcare settings and the community regarding communicable diseases . For more information about managing communicable diseases in school and childcare settings, click here.
To report any case of suspected or confirmed communicable disease in Barry or Eaton County, please call 517-541-2641 or 517-541-2613 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You may also FAX your report to 517-541-2666. For emergencies occurring after hours or on weekends, please call 517-541-2683.
Disease Fact Sheets