Infectious/Communicable Disease

Preventing and reducing the spread of infectious/Communicable disease among humans is an essential function of public health. Okanogan County Public Health provides community-wide disease surveillance, tracking, investigation, and control of disease outbreaks; and provides information and education about disease prevention

Preventing Colds, Flu, and other Infectious Diseases

Okanogan County Public Health encourages individuals of the simple steps everyone can take to effectively reduce the spread of flu, colds, pertussis (whooping cough), tuberculosis and other respiratory disease.

Wash your hands
Hand washing can help prevent many types of disease. For best results, follow these steps:

• Wet hands with water
• Use lots of soap and rub hands together to build up a good lather
• Wash between fingers, the backs of hands, thumbs, palms and wrists
• Pay careful attention to fingernails. Use a nailbrush, if available
• Wash for 15-20 seconds
• Rinse well while rubbing hands together
• Dry thoroughly with a paper towel or clean towel

Animal & Insect Related Diseases and Conditions

Preventing the spread of disease from animals to humans is an Environmental Health division responsibility.

• Investigates reports of animal bites by dogs, cats, bats, ferrets and wild animals for the risk of rabies.
• Works closely with animal control agencies regarding animal bites to local residents.
• Monitors illnesses contracted from ticks, mosquitoes and mice are monitored throughout Okanogan County.
• Conducts surveillance for emerging animal and insect-carried disease including West Nile virus.