Communicable Diseases
Missouri has the authority to define diseases and conditions of public health importance known as State Reportable Diseases/Conditions. The health department works with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and to lessen health consequences of certain conditions to members of our community.
Potential or suspect cases of diseases, dog bites, and/or bat exposures are reported from hospitals, law enforcement, laboratories, and health care providers to the local Health Department in a process known as “reporting.” A public health investigation is conducted to determine and implement appropriate public health interventions by the local public health communicable disease investigator, at times assisted by regional and/or state epidemiological specialists.
If you have a concern about a communicable disease, please call your health care provider or local Health Department.