The Communicable Disease Unit’s
mission is to reduce the incidence of communicable diseases in Santa Cruz
County through prevention, surveillance, identification of the source of the
pathogen and implementation of control measures. CDU responds, according to
mandate, to reports of
over 80 serious infectious diseases including agents of bioterrorism.
A team of highly skilled
public health workers coordinate disease control and prevention activities in
a wide variety of settings throughout the community.
Ongoing goals of the Communicable Disease Unit includes the following:
Communicable Disease
Surveillance and Control
Conduct surveillance for
over 80 diseases and disease syndromes.
Reduce the behaviors and
practices that contribute to illness and loss of health.
Reduce infectious
diseases.
Investigates reports of disease
outbreaks and implement control measures to stop the spread in the
community.
Produce quarterly and
annual reports about disease prevalence.
Develop and implement plans
to respond to Public Health emergencies.
Public Education
Proactively educate and
address concerns and inquiries of the news media on communicable diseases.
Promote the well being of
the elderly, those with disabilities, or chronic illness.
Educate the public about
immunization programs and promote health for all children, adolescents and
their families.
