Enteric Disease and Viral Hepatitis Control

Enteric disease and viral hepatitis control consists of consultation, surveillance, investigation and control of hepatitis A, B and C. The department also has a Hepatitis Prevention Program.

Staff also follows up on cases of diarrheal diseases caused by a variety of organisms including salmonella, shigella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and viral pathogens. Reports of these diseases in child care settings requires control activities to be directed to care givers and family members. Staff also provide assistance in the investigation and control of disease outbreaks in hospitals, nursing homes, water supplies and commercial food service operations.

Most recently Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes), a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, has been recognized as an important public health problem in the United States. The disease affects primarily pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. It can be avoided by following a few recommendations. Go to the CDC web site for further information on Listeriosis

The following links contain information on waterborne, foodborne, and bloodborne illnesses and diseases:

• Botulism
• Campylobacter
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Cyclospora
• E. coli O157:H7/Shiga toxin-producing E. coli
• Giardiasis
• Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis)
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C (non A-non B hepatitis)
• Salmonella
• Shigellosis

Waterborne and Foodborne Disease Surveillance

Waterborne and foodborne disease surveillance involves investigating cases of diarrheal or intestinal illnesses caused by inadequate water treatment systems or improper commercial food handling and implementing prevention measures. The staff works closely with the Water Quality Control Division in the investigation of waterborne disease outbreaks and with the Consumer Protection Division in responding to foodborne outbreaks.

last modified 1/4/00