Disease Surveillance

Diseases

We investigate infectious/contagious diseases that can be spread in a variety of ways: from person-to-person, through contact with animals, or through eating contaminated food and water. This includes serious diseases such as E. coli, Salmonella, hepatitis A, meningitis, and whooping cough/pertussis.

Think of us as disease detectives. When certain diseases are reported to the health department, we work hard to determine where a person got sick and try to prevent further spread of illness. We also work to prevent the occurrence of diseases in our communities through education of our residents.

Reporting Diseases

By law, certain diseases that have public health consequences must be reported to public health agencies from health care providers and laboratories in order to keep the illness from spreading.


Reporting Outbreaks

Tri-County Health Department investigates disease outbreaks in long-term care facilities, child care facilities, restaurants and other group settings. We attempt to identify the cause of the outbreak and immediately put control measures into place. To report an outbreak or suspect outbreak call 303-220-9200 and ask for communicable disease.


Reporting Animal Bites

Tri-County Health Department works closely with providers, hospitals, and animal control partners to assess human and domestic pet exposure to rabies reservoir species. Animal bites are a reportable condition and must be immediately reported to public health.  

Travelers also might be exposed to canine rabies in countries where the disease is still present; increased awareness of rabies while traveling abroad is needed. Vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wildlife, and seeking medical care if one is bitten or scratched by an animal are the most effective ways to prevent rabies. Understanding the need for timely administration of PEP to prevent death is critical.

For more information on how to report animal bites, visit our Rabies & Animal Bites page.