For example, a physician is required to report a case of whooping cough within 24 hours of diagnosis. This enables appropriate treatment and initiates an investigation by the health department surveillance team. The goal of the investigation is to identify persons who might have been exposed and begin prevention measures to reduce the incidence and avoid spread of the disease. Quick response to any disease or condition is the key to control and community support and cooperation is critical.

What communicable disease services are provided by the health department??

The health department provides childhood immunizations to prevent diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, hepatitis and chicken pox. Shots for the flu, pneumonia, Hepatitis B and tetanus are also available.

The Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)Program provides counseling, testing, treatment, and education about sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis, herpes and genital warts. Services are available to all persons without regard to income or place of residence, available Monday through Friday. Appointment preferred.

The International Travel Clinic provides assessments and education and offers vaccines to international travelers for the purpose of protecting them while in other countries and protecting our community when these travelers return from high risk countries/areas and transmitting diseases.. There is a fee for vaccines, call for appointment and more information.

Where can I find out more information about Communicable Diseases?

To link to North Carolina Communicable Disease Rules and CDC:
    www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/gcdc.html
    www.cdc.gov

For more information about sexually transmitted diseases visit:
    www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/hiv

Traveler’s Health information is available at:
    www.cdc.gov/travel

Services and information are provided at the:

Carteret County Health Department
3820-A Bridges Street
Morehead City, NC 28557
252-728-8550
Fax: 252-222-7753