The Health and Human Services Department is a team. That fact does not always appear to be so until something happens that brings that truth to the forefront. Periodically, there will be an infection in the community which will require prophylaxis to more individuals than a patients household contact(s), thus requiring an IG Clinic or a Rifampin Clinic. When there is a case of Hepatitis A in a daycare center, epidemiologists investigate the circumstances for potential exposure to other attendees at the daycare. If indicated, the child’s classroom and/or others may need to receive Immune Globulin (IG). In which case an epidemiologist and nurses from other bureaus will go to that day care.

When there is a case of meningitis and the investigation indicates the need for prophylaxis of others such as in a daycare or athletic teams, epidemiology works with the pharmacy staff and nurses so that medication is assembled and taken to the designated site for the nurses to give to the parents/guardians of the contacts.

When there is a foodborne illness outbreak either Consumer Health or Epidemiology may be the first to be informed. The two bureaus work closely together during the investigation of the illness to identify the possible source. When possible food samples are collected; Laboratory Services is alerted for testing for causative agents. Other bureaus may be involved as indicated by cause of the illness. In any case, HDHHS is a Great Team!