Communicable Diseases

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 California 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 andadequate 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: Oroville: (530) 538-2840, Chico: (530) 891-2732