Communicable Diseases

2018 Communicable Disease and Sexually Transmitted Infections 

Annual Report Now Available! 

The graph below represents the number of communicable diseases investigated by Ontario County Public Health from 2006-2018. The graph is from the 2018 Annual Report. Annual Report is published to communicate our progress with programs, services and the strategic plan.   

Communicable diseases are illnesses spread from person to person through skin contact, inhalation (breathing), ingestion (eating), sex, and from mothers to babies during pregnancy or the birth process. Additionally, animals and insects (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, etc.) can carry diseases that make humans sick.

Per Public Health Law, healthcare providers and labs must report certain communicable diseases to the local health department. The health department investigates each case to determine if there are additional cases, if the community is at risk and if other actions are needed (vaccination, isolation, education, etc.).

Many factors influence communicable disease activity in a given year. For instance in 2010, the flu season after the H1N1 pandemic, there were very few cases of flu. This is typical postpandemic. The 2017-18 flu season was unusually severe with a record number of
hospitalizations. Additionally there was an increase in the number of cases of legionellosis (Legionnaire’s Disease) and invasive group B strep. There were, however, less new cases of Hepatitis C, Pertussis and Lyme Disease. 

To read the 2018 Annual Report: Click here

(Updated 5/6/2019))

Communicable disease AR

C

ommunicable Disease Surveillance and Reporting


Communicable diseases are diseases that spread from one person to another either directly or indirectly. They are caused by several kinds of tiny life forms, often called “germs” that can only be seen by microscopes. The two most common kinds of germs that cause diseases in humans are bacteria and viruses.

Bacteria are larger single celled life forms that grow and reproduce. There are many different kinds of bacteria. Most bacteria are susceptible to antibiotics, but some bacteria have become resistant.

Viruses can only make more of themselves when they are infecting humans or other hosts. Scientists have been able to develop vaccines to prevent many kinds of viral infections. They have been less successful at making drugs, called antivirals, to treat viral infections. Antibiotics do not work against viral diseases.

How can I prevent the spread of communicable disease?

  1. Wash hands frequently and completely.
  2. Use alcohol gel or hand rubs in place of soap and water only if hands are not visibly dirty and the solution contains at least 60% alcohol.
  3. Take advantage of vaccines that are available to prevent serious illnesses.
  4. When you are sick keep your germs to yourself and stay home from work or school.
  5. When you are well stay a safe distance (2 - 3 feet) from those who are sick.
  6. If you are given medication to treat an infection, be sure to finish your prescription. Stopping too soon may lead to resistance, making future infections harder to fight.

Proper Hand-washing

  • Thoroughly wet hands
  • Apply soap and lather for 15 – 20 seconds
  • Rub longer if hands are visibly dirty
  • Soap well every part of the hands (don’t forget between the fingers and under the nails)
  • Rinse in a flowing stream of water
  • Dry hands with paper towel or hand dryers

More Information

Communicable Disease Overview
CDC
Department of Health Sexually Transmitted Infections
 
Hepatitis
CDC
Department of Health

HIV / AIDS
CDC
Department of Health

(Updated 10/29/18)

Living With HIV?

Reach out to Catholic Charities for support today!

(2/2/2018)

Cath Charities