A communicable disease is an infectious disease that can be transmitted from one individual to another directly by contact or indirectly by fomites and vectors.
The mission of the Communicable Disease section is to:
- promptly investigate disease outbreaks and unusual situations, and to implement control measures to minimize further transmission of disease
- monitor disease-reporting by physicians and laboratories in order to detect trends, and to assess the public health impact of diseases
- provide a channel of communication between public health agencies, private physicians, and hospital and occupational infection control personnel as an essential part of disease control efforts
- explain public health interventions and disseminate health education messages to the community and the media in order to enhance disease control efforts
For more information about communicable disease, visit NC Communicable Disease or Centers for Disease Control.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. TB bacteria usually attack the lungs, however the bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, or brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. TB was once the leading cause of death in the United States.
Client Eligibility:
- Persons suspected of, or diagnosed with, Tuberculosis Disease or infection
- Persons who request a TB skin test ($25.00 charge) or need screening for Tuberculosis Disease or Infection due to contact to TB or signs and symptoms of disease
TB Services:
- TB skin tests
- Chest x-ray referrals
- Screening for TB
- Treatment for TB disease and infection
Intake Procedure:
- Walk-in TB skin testing available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – Call for times and other services available.
- Outreach: The Tuberculosis Outreach nursing service is responsible for providing directly observed medication therapy (DOT) to active tuberculosis cases in the community.
Learn more about TB at www.cdc.gov/tb.