One of the core duties of public health is to track and control communicable diseases. Communicable diseases are diseases that can be spread between people and animals, such as influenza, plague and many foodborne illnesses.

All hospitals, physicians' offices and laboratories are required to report positive communicable disease information to health departments, per state regulations. Public health then follows up with these individuals to determine how the disease was acquired and if anyone else may be at risk due to close contact with the patient.

NCHD can be notified about reportable diseases or conditions by contacting our Assistant Director of Nursing, Tammy Hort, by phone (970) 522-3741 x1241, fax 522-1412, or e-mail tammyh@nchd.org.