Communicable Disease Control

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of infectious diseases is a primary function of public health and provides the following functions:

• Contain and prevent communicable disease outbreaks in the county using surveillance, intervention and follow-up. Statistical data computation is done for cases of reportable infectious diseases. View the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) reportable disease page for more information [external link].
  • Conditions reportable by all physicians and health care providers in Colorado include:
    • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) counseling, testing and referral. Learn more about HIV.
    • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screening, diagnosis and treatment. Learn more about STIs.
• Promote immunization as a way to prevent disease. 
  • Call 303-239-7078 to make an appointment for immunizations. Travel immunization provides vaccinations recommended for international travel.
• Collaborate within the health department, among counties and with the state of Colorado to track the rate of disease in this county. The rate of disease in this county is very low in relation to the population size.
• Collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [ external link] on disease control best practices and on multi-state outbreaks and emergencies.

Ongoing Surveillance

• Clients are taught how to manage their disease, family contacts are assessed and all parties involved are taught how to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Outbreaks are identified and followed by extensive community outreach as needed.
• Monthly and annual reports reflect trends for disease prevention, planning and action.
• Jefferson County Public Health regularly publishes studies, surveys and reports on the status of health issues in the county. View the Disease Stats & Data page for more information.

Analysis and Intervention

• Incidences of reportable communicable diseases are analyzed for potential impact to the community's health. For example, the diagnosis of certain contagious diseases among food workers, daycare providers or healthcare workers.
• Appropriate action is taken to prevent or minimize the spread of disease.
• Emphasis is put on education as well as prophylactic (preventive) treatment.