DIVISION MISSION

The mission of the Division of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention (DCDCP) is to work in
partnership with the community to promote health and quality of life and to protect the public from
the spread of communicable diseases and the health impact of emergencies.

Major division components

Surveillance: collect and analyze data on cases of communicable disease (including but not limited
to HIV, STDs and Hepatitis) and investigate those that pose highest risk to the public

Immunization: distribute state-supplied vaccine to health care providers, assess immunization status of
children, and sponsor immunization clinics and maintain a small computerized registry of immunization
records for children from birth to 18 years old

Public Health Laboratory: provide testing, isolation and identification of harmful microorganisms that
may be present in humans, animals and the environment to aid in the diagnosis and control of
communicable diseases

Education and Prevention: Provide STD, HIV and Hepatitis education and counseling to high risk
populations and community agencies; screening of high risk individuals and referral to health care
providers for evaluation, treatment and follow-up when appropriate

Public Health Emergency Preparedness: coordinate with health care and emergency medical service
providers on preventing, detecting, quickly responding to, and recovering from any type of
emergency that impacts your health, particularly those emergencies whose scale, timing, or
unpredictability threatens to overwhelm routine capabilities.

HOW TO PRETECT YOURSELF FROM CDs

1. Handle & Prepare Food Safely

Food can carry germs. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often when preparing any food, especially
raw meat. Always wash fruits and vegetables. Cook and keep foods at proper temperatures. Don't
leave food out - refrigerate promptly.

2. Clean & Disinfect Commonly Used Surfaces

Germs can live on surfaces. Cleaning with soap and water is usually enough. However, you should
disinfect your bathroom and kitchen regularly. Disinfect other areas if someone in the house is ill. You
can use an EPA certified disinfectant (look for the EPA registration number on the label), bleach
solution, or rubbing alcohol.

3. Don't Share Personal Items

Avoid sharing personal items that can't be disinfected, like toothbrushes and razors, or sharing towels
between washes. Needles should never be shared, should only be used once, and then thrown away
properly.

4. Get Vaccinated
Vaccines can prevent many infectious diseases. There are vaccines for children and adults designed
to provide protection against many communicable diseases. There are also vaccines that are
recommended or required for travel to certain parts of the world. Our Immunization Program can
advise you on immunizations and clinics where you to get needed shots.