Communicable Diseases

Communicable disease surveillance is an important public health role in our community.  The Union County Health Department works with area health care providers in reporting all communicable diseases in Union County.

List of Reportable Diseases/Conditions in Florida as of 11/24/2008

Section 381.0031(1,2), Florida Statutes, provides that "Any practitioner, licensed in Florida to practice medicine, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic, naturopathy, or veterinary medicine, who diagnoses or suspects the existence of a disease of public health significance shall immediately report the fact to the Department of Health."  The  County Health Departments serve as the Department of Health's representative in this reporting requirement. Furthermore, this Section provides that  "Periodically the Department shall issue a list of diseases determined by it to be of public health significance ... and shall furnish a copy of said list to the practitioners....".The list of diseases to be reported is found in Chapter 64D-3.002(1), Florida Administrative Code.

Chapter 64D-3 (PDF-262KB)

Reportable Diseases 08  (PDF-72KB)

How to Report a Case of Disease

If you are a healthcare professional or laboratory worker and would like to report a case of disease, please complete a Practitioner Disease Report Form (PDF-378KB)and fax to the Union County Health Department at 386-496-1599.  A copy of the Healthcare Practitioner Reporting Guidelines of Notifiable Diseases or Conditions in Florida (PDF-11.01MB) may be accessed here.
 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs):  Testing, education and treatment help to protect men and women, their sex partners and unborn children from serious effects of untreated STDs.  Surveillance, testing and treatment are available at the Bradford County Health Department for all persons regardless of age, race, socioeconomic status or gender.  Early diagnosis and proper care help minimize the side effects and help prevent the spread of disease.  All information pertaining to treatment is confidential.  Condoms are available at the health department.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that generally affects the lungs, but can be present in any part of the body.  In active TB infections, this disease can be spread to others who may be in close contact.  TB causes damages to vital organs and can cause death in untreated.  TB cases have risen in number.  This increase may be due to HIV/AIDS status and drug resistant strains of tuberculosis.  In you suspect that you have been in contact with someone infected with TB, please call the health department at (386) 496-3211.

HIV Testing

 Free HIV testing is available to all persons at the Union County Health Department.  HIV infection leads to AIDS.  AIDS is a group of illnesses and opportunistic infections that attack the body once the immune system is compromised.  Please call the health department at (386) 496-3211 for information or an appointment for testing.