Hill County  Health Department

"Hand in Hand, Keeping Hill County Healthy"

Communicable Diseases

Hill County Health Department (HCHD) is committed to protecting the health and safety of the public by preventing the introduction of communicable disease into our community. Having updated regulations in place is an important measure to ensure swift response to public health threats.

A communicable disease is an illness or infection that can be spread from person to person, animal to person, animal to animal or person to animal. Communicable disease is the leading cause of sickness and death worldwide and is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

The purpose of the communicable disease program at HCHD is to prevent a county outbreak of a contagious disease.

Disease surveillance reports are collected from local schools and physicians weekly.

Certain communicable diseases are mandated by law to be reported to the health department in a timely manner.

Once those reports are received by the health department, which could include suspected or confirmed communicable diseases, they are investigated, and individuals are instructed as necessary and appropriate follow-up and treatment given.

Dana Seidel
Public Health Nurse
Bridget Kallenberger
Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses (PHNs) provide surveillance and epidemiological follow-up for communicable diseases such as sexually transmitted diseases, enteric diseases, hepatitis A, B and C, salmonella, meningitis, and tuberculosis. Medical providers and laboratories are required by Montana State law to report specific communicable diseases to the local public health department. Public Health Nurses assure treatment compliance, identify and notify those who have been exposed, and facilitate accurate reporting of statistical information to the state. Staff collaborates with hospitals and other agencies to assure consistent and adequate care for clients and contacts. They respond to public inquiries about communicable diseases and provide educational materials to schools and agencies on a variety of related topics.

PHNs educate people diagnosed with a communicable disease about the disease.  They talk to them about how they may have gotten the disease and teach them how they can prevent spreading it to their family and friends, how they can treat their symptoms, and how they can prevent getting it again.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a communicable disease or if you would like to find out more about one of these diseases you can call: 406-265-5481 ext. 266.

Diseases Reporting

The diseases and conditions listed on the List of Reportable Communicable Diseases are considered to have great public health impact, and any confirmed or suspected cases must be reported promptly.  Report suspected or confirmed cases by faxing to 406-265-6976 or calling 406-265-5481 x266.
 
Requirements for the timing of reporting once the disease or condition is recognized or suspected varies with the particular disease. The specific reporting requirements are listed in the ARM’s Chapter 114 Communicable Disease Control.

Reporting Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Report suspect & confirmed vaccine preventable diseases to your local health department

Why?

  1. Your local health department can assist with coordination the lab work necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
  2. Your local health department can provide you with the current recommendations on chemoprophylaxis of exposed contacts.
  3. Your local health department can assist in preventing an outbreak from occurring.
     

What Vaccine Preventable Diseases are Reportable?

Chickenpox
Diphtheria
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Invasive Hib		 Measles
Meningococcal Disease
Mumps
Pertussis		 Polio
Rabies
Smallpox
Tetanus

Who Should Report?

Physicians, nurses, School Personnel, Labs, Dentists, etc.

When?

Whenever you SUSPECT one of the above diseases – don’t wait!

For more information, please visit the following sites.