Communicable diseases- Can spread to others through the air or direct contact.

The community can help us prevent communicable diseases by getting themselves and their children immunized and through hand washing. Hand washing, when done correctly, is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of diseases. Good hand washing technique is easy to learn and can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases among children and adults.

The Richland County Health Department provides immunizations for children and adults for vaccine-preventable diseases, including some of the vaccines neccessary for safe foreign travel. TB (tuberculosis) and STD (sexually-transmitted disease) testing are also available by appointment.

Communicable Disease and Control

To promote and protect the health of our community, the Richland County Health Department (RCHD) investigates and tracks individual cases and outbreaks of communicable diseases to prevent transmission.

RCHD staff conducts confidential investigations to determine a source of infection, identify contacts and provide education.

Common communicable diseases include:

        Chlamydia                 Hepatitis A
        Campylobacter          Hepatitis B
        Giardia                      Hepatitis C
        Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Health care providers are required by law to submit reportable disease information to the health department. There are currently over 50 diseases and/or conditions that are reportable in Montana. The Health Department conducts follow-ups on all reportable diseases.

Tuberculosis Program
The TB program works in collaboration with health care providers to conduct surveillance for TB disease and latent TB infection.

Activities include:
* TB skin testing.
* Identifying persons diagnosed or suspected of having TB through reporting by health care providers.
* Providing education,
* Assist in getting the State supplied medication, monitoring, & follow-up of contacts

Animal Bites
The State of Montana requires that all animal bites be reported. RCHD receives these reports and coordinates follow-up with the animal, the owner and the victim to ensure that no further threat exists.

Montana Hepatitis B Program
The State of Montana provides Hepatitis B Immune Globulin and Hepatitis B vaccine to infants born to women who are infected with the Hepatitis B virus.   RCHD coordinates with the local hospital in delivery and administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine to infants.

The mission of the Richland County Health Department Communicable Disease section is to reduce sickness and death due to communicable disease through surveillance, case investigation, outbreak intervention, worker training and public education. We work with healthcare providers, schools and businesses to ensure that the public is safe and healthy. Reporting of communicable diseases is strictly confidential and absolutely neccessary to help us understand and respond to potential disease outbreaks and track the health of the community.

For additional information, contact the Richland County Health Department, Communicable Disease Nurse at (406) 422-2207.

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