Stop the Spread of Disease

Public health epidemiologists monitor the health and illness of a population, investigate the factors that affect the community’s health, and recommend interventions to reduce the risk of disease. Epidemiology is practiced in health departments daily and involves principles of surveillance, investigation, laboratory testing, data management, and communication.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. However, in many other countries dogs still carry rabies, and most rabies deaths in people around the world are caused by dog bites.

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start.

Clinician resources aimed at reducing the spread of disease and illness are crucial for maintaining public health. Here are some tools that clinicians can utilize:

Certain diseases and conditions need to be reported to NDPH so that steps can be taken to prevent others from becoming ill. These steps might include messaging to raise public awareness, pulling a contaminated item from stores, or offering preventive treatments to people who have been exposed. All of these interventions help us protect the public’s health.