Communicable Disease Monitoring

Protecting Our Community from Infectious Diseases

Hamilton County Public Health works to protect the health of our community by monitoring, investigating, and responding to communicable diseases. We partner with healthcare providers, laboratories, schools, childcare facilities, long-term care facilities, businesses, and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to identify and reduce the spread of infectious illnesses.

Our Communicable Disease Team  focuses on early detection, timely response, education, and prevention to help keep Hamilton County healthy.

Our Services Include

• Disease surveillance and monitoring
• Investigation of reportable diseases
• Contact tracing and exposure notification, when appropriate
• Outbreak investigation and response
• Public health guidance for schools, childcare centers, workplaces, and healthcare facilities
• Infection prevention and control recommendations
• Education on disease prevention and hand hygiene
• Vaccine-preventable disease monitoring
• Coordination with local, state, and federal public health partners
• Community health alerts and updates when needed

Diseases We Monitor

Examples of reportable diseases include:

• Measles
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Meningitis
• Hepatitis
• Salmonella and E. coli infections
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• Lyme Disease and other vector-borne illnesses
• Foodborne and waterborne illnesses

How You Can Help

Everyone plays an important role in preventing the spread of disease. You can help protect yourself, your family, and our community by:

• Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations.
• Washing your hands frequently.
• Staying home when you are sick.
• Covering coughs and sneezes.
• Practicing good food safety.
• Following public health recommendations during outbreaks.
• Seeking medical care if you experience symptoms of a communicable disease.

Questions or Need to Report a Disease?

If you have questions about a communicable disease, have been notified of an exposure, or need guidance during an outbreak, Hamilton County Public Health is here to help. Our team works closely with healthcare providers and Iowa HHS to provide accurate information, timely recommendations, and support to protect the health of our community.