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General Information about Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases are those conditions that can be spread to others through air, touch, or contact with contaminated body fluids. Some of the most common communicable diseases are Chlamydia, Hepatitis A, B, and C, Giardia, Salmonella, Pertussis and Campylobacter. Not only is it important to be treated for infection, it is the obligation of the Health Department to ensure treatment and prevent diseases from occurring or spreading.
Diseases that the Health Department keeps track of are called "reportable". All physicians, health care providers and laboratory personnel are required by law to submit reportable disease information to their local health department. There are currently over 50 communicable diseases that are reportable in Oregon.
Communicable Diseases include:
  • West Nile
  • Influenza
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • Tuberculosis
For a more complete list go to www.health.ri.gov

Communicable Disease Coordinator
The Baker County Health Department has a Communicable Disease (CD) Coordinator who is responsible for preventing possible disease outbreaks and providing education to the public. When cases of communicable disease are found, the CD Coordinator conducts confidential investigations to determine the source of the infection. Some diseases are spread via talking, coughing, and sneezing while others are spread through contaminated water, food, blood, and/or sexual contact. All communicable diseases must be investigated thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease.
Disease Reporting
"It's not just a good idea, it's the law"
All Oregon physicians and other health care providers are required to report patients with specific reportable diseases to their local health department. Reporting makes it possible to provide the appropriate public health follow-up for patients, it helps identify outbreaks, and provides a better understanding of Oregon morbidity (illness) patterns. Follow-up investigation for all reportable communicable diseases is done by a Registered Nurse. Special attention will be made to schools and day care facilities.
**All personal information is kept confidential when reports are made.

How to Report a Disease
To report a disease or animal bite, call or fax your Baker County Health Department. After hours call 911 and they will notify a health department representative to call you back. Give them the person's name, address, phone number, date of birth, diagnosis, and the onset date of symptoms.
Clinic Information
The Baker County Health Department has staff available to answer questions and investigate reportable communicable diseases. Call for further information.
Contact Information
3330 Pocahontas Rd. Baker City
(541) 523-8211 (reporting line) or after hours call 911