Disease Control and Prevention Division

The mission of the Disease Control and Prevention Division is to prevent and control diseases of public health significance through surveillance, epidemiology, education, the provision of clinical services, case management and implementation of disease intervention strategies.

This important division of Public Health Services (PHS) includes programs organized to carry out mandated health protection of individuals and the public related to communicable diseases and other significant population-based threats, such as diseases transmitted via food, water, and animals, as well as biological agents capable of mass destruction.

• The Communicable Disease Program monitors the incidence of reportable communicable diseases in the county; conducts surveillance and case investigation of all reportable communicable diseases, outbreak management, contact identification, patient and community education, and consultation to physicians, infection control practitioners, schools and day care providers.
• The Public Health Clinic provides childhood, influenza and travel immunizations, examinations to identify and treat sexually transmitted diseases, patient education, contact interviews and follow-up. Public Health clinics operate in Lodi, Manteca, Stockton, and Tracy. The Division also operates a mobile clinic to deliver service throughout the County.
• The Perinatal Hepatitis B Program monitors the follow-up of infants born to Hepatitis B carrier mothers to prevent infection of the newborn. The Program provides education, laboratory testing, and immunizations for those at risk of Hepatitis B infection from a pregnant carrier.
• The Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program monitors the incidence of TB and conducts activities to control its spread. The Program provides surveillance and data collection, TB case management services, contact identification and screening, and directly observed therapy services. TB skin tests and preventive clinical services are furnished to evaluate and treat TB infection in high risk persons.
• The Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Program identifies and treats persons with sexually transmitted diseases. The program provides examinations and laboratory testing to identify and treat STDs in clinic and mobile clinic settings. Patient education, contact interviews and follow-up services are also furnished.
• The Public Health Laboratory provides regional public health laboratory and environmental laboratory testing services for communicable diseases of public health significance. Services include water and food testing, virus isolation/serology laboratory, molecular diagnostic laboratory services and technical consultation for professionals. The Public Health Laboratory is designated by the federal Centers for Disease Control as a Laboratory Response Network (LRN) level B laboratory member to respond to acts of biological terrorism.
• The Community Services Program coordinates HIV and AIDS-related services in the County. Anonymous and confidential HIV counseling and testing is provided at Public Health clinics and mobile clinic sites. Education and prevention services include street-based outreach and activities at schools and correctional facilities. In-service training, media and community events to educate the public regarding HIV/AIDS, and audiovisual and written materials are available. AIDS case management services assist persons living with HIV/AIDS with benefits counseling, referral to services, emergency food and housing, nursing assessment, psychosocial assessments and assistance with obtaining approved medications through state-sponsored programs. The Program maintains and distributes statistical information on HIV/AIDS, provides assistance in reporting HIV and AIDS, and provides in-service training for health care providers. The Early Intervention Program provides clinical and case management services to persons living with HIV.

If you would like more information on any of these programs, please contact Public Health Services’ Disease Control and Prevention Division at (209) 468-3822.