Communicable Disease Services

Local Health Departments are required by law to investigate and follow-up all suspected or confirmed communicable diseases or conditions. In North Carolina, there are 66 reportable diseases or conditions for which investigation and follow-up are required.

Investigation and follow-up includes:

• Identifying the source of the infection, if possible
• Implementing control measures to prevent the spread of infection
• Assuring adequate treatment of persons with infection to minimize spread

Tuberculosis

Testing for TB, required by many employers, is available at the Health Department by appointment. Testing is free for persons who are contacts to active TB cases, symptomatic, and/or HIV positive. For others, the cost is $17.00.

The Health Department also provides treatment and follow-up for persons with TB infection or disease. Included in the follow-up is contact tracing of persons identified as having been exposed to an infectious TB case. Medications to treat TB are provided at no charge. View more information on tuberculosis, including a link to the North Carolina TB Policy Manual.

Prevention

Many of the vaccines to prevent the following diseases are available at the Health Department. See the immunizations page for more information. Following immunizations, the most effective way to prevent transmission of communicable diseases is adequate handwashing.

Reportable Diseases