Alerts:  Nov. 12, 2024: Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak confirmed in Spokane County. SRHD urges parents and pregnant people to vaccinate. Read the press release.

Communicable Disease Epidemiology

Epidemiologists monitor, track, and respond to infectious disease in the community to prevent spread of illness.

Program Overview

Communicable Disease Epidemiology is a cornerstone of public health practice to prevent illness and protect the public’s health. The Communicable Disease Epidemiology program at Spokane Regional Health District is responsible for county-wide surveillance and investigation of more than 70 disease conditions reportable to public health by laboratories, health care providers and facilities.

These reports are investigated and tracked to identify outbreaks or trends that require action or community education. The work of this program is important as controlling the spread of infectious diseases is one of the world’s biggest health challenges. Understanding how and why these diseases are transmitted can help prevent them from occurring. By sharing vital information, health professionals and community members can effectively protect public health and prevent illness and outbreaks.

The Communicable Disease Epidemiology program is primarily funded with Spokane County and Washington state general funds. A three-year pilot project (2016-2018) in Infection Prevention for Long-term Care Providers is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Washington State Department of Health.


Roughly

80%

of people with Zika won’t have symptoms.

Zika and Pregnancy

Women potentially exposed to Zika should wait at least 8 weeks before trying to become pregnant. If you’re thinking of becoming pregnant and you or your partner have traveled to an area with Zika, talk to your doctor.


Pertussis video put out by the Mayo Clinic

Communicable Disease Reporting & Resource Manual
Communicable Disease Reporting & Resource Manual

Manual containing disease information, reporting, immunization and county services listing for providers.

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Communicable Disease Epidemiology for Health Care Providers
Communicable Disease Epidemiology for Health Care Providers

Working with providers on the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases, illnesses and other factors relating to health.

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