Lane County Public Health Department

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Infectious Disease

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General Information
Infectious diseases are human illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and other microbes. They may be spread by direct contact with an infected person or animal, by ingesting contaminated food or water, contaminated air, by insects like mosquitoes or ticks, or by contact with contaminated surroundings like animal droppings. Although many infectious diseases have been controlled by modern preventive techniques, such as vaccines and antimicrobials, new emerging diseases threaten the nation’s health and present new challenges to the nation’s public health preparedness efforts. 

LCPH collaborates with partners such as hospitals, private providers, and community health centers to control these diseases through enhanced surveillance, strategic planning and joint preparedness exercises.

Links on this Page
Prevention
Differences - Viral vs... Bacterial Infections
Problems with Antibiotic Resistance
Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Disasters
Further Information
Contact

Infectious Disease Prevention
Many infectious diseases can be prevented through simple and inexpensive methods listed below.

• Practice proper hand washing and  wash your hands often
• Routinely clean and disinfect surfaces, click here to learn more
• Handle and Prepare Food Safely
• Get Immunized
• Follow your doctor’s orders and use antibiotics properly
• Cover your cough with a tissue or your inner elbow [en Espanol ]

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Differences Between Viral & Bacterial Infections

Viral Infections
Viral infections are caused by viruses. Viruses are capsulated and much smaller than bacteria. Unlike bacteria, viruses are not living organisms. Therefore, viruses require living organisms or “hosts” in order to multiply. When a virus is present in your body it shifts the normal functioning of cells to the production of more virus. Some viruses are contagious, meaning they can spread from person to person. Others are not.

Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria. Unlike viruses bacteria are living organisms and can survive on non-living surfaces. Bacteria reproduce by dividing into new cells. Many bacteria are beneficial, not all bacteria are harmful. Some bacteria are contagious and others are not.

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Problems with Antibiotic Resistance
The success of antibiotics against disease-causing microbes is among modern medicine’s great achievements. After more than 50 years of widespread use, however, many antibiotics are not as effective as they used to be. Click here to learn more about the problems connected to the widespread use and misuse of antibiotics.

• Antibiotics are used to treat bacteria; antivirals are used to treat viruses.
• Antibiotic drugs for treating bacteria only work to treat bacteria.
• Antiviral drugs only work to treat viruses.
• Treating viral infections such as most: colds, coughs, flu strains and bronchitis with an antibiotic (for bacterial infectious) will not cure your symptoms or fight off the virus.
• Follow your doctor’s orders and do not share your antibiotics or antivirals.
• Antivirals - Fact Sheet  [ PDF]

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Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Disasters
Communicable diseases are diseases that are usually transmitted through direct or indirect person-to-person contact or shared use of contaminated instruments/materials. Communicable disease outbreaks of diarrhea and respiratory illness can occur when water and sewage systems are not working and personal hygiene is hard to maintain as a result of a disaster. Practice simple hygiene techniques outlined in above in the Infectious Disease Prevention section  of this page.

Many diseases can be prevented through the use of protective measures, such as a high level of vaccine coverage. Click here to learn more about the LCPH Immunization Program for adults, children & infants.

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Contact

Phone: (541) 682-4008
Program Coordinator: Brian K Johnson 

LCPH services are available regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status.  LCPH facilities are wheelchair accessible. LCPH materials are available upon request in alternative formats such as: large print, Braille and other languages.