Epidemiology

The Health Department competently and compassionately provides surveillance, intervention, testing, education, and care to prevent and control the spread of disease.

Disease Testing & Prevention

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's)

These diseases are commonly transmitted in a sexual manner either through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. Many STDs can be transmitted in ways other than sexually, but it is rare. While most STD's show some kind of symptoms, it's possible that symptoms may go unnoticed or might not exist at all.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately because you may have an STD:

Dark or smelly urine

a secretion or discharge from the genitals

A strange rash or spots on your body

A burning sensation when urinating

Bumps, lesions, blisters, or warts on the genital area

An unusual odor

A strange rash or spots on your body

White spots in pubic hair or small bugs

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Learning the basics about HIV can keep you healthy and prevent HIV transmission.

It is the responsibility of the Mercer County Health Department:

Monitor the HIV/AIDS epidemic

Improve public understanding of HIV

Ensure those that are not infected with HIV remain uninfected

Ensure those infected with HIV have access to the most effective therapies possible

There is currently no effective cure for HIV. Once people get infected, they have it for life. However, with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.

Our trained medical staff can answer questions about HIV/AIDS. Learn about how to protect yourself, how to get tested, and how to get treatment. Call us at (304) 324-8367, weekdays (except holidays) from 8 am - 4 pm.

Download HIV Prevention Materials >

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) usually attacks the lungs, but can also attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB can be fatal.

Skin and blood testing is available for those individuals who are at a higher risk of being infected with TB bacteria. These individuals are:

People who spent time with someone who has the disease.

People from a county where the disease is common (Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia).

People who live or work in high-risk settings (i.e. correctional facilities, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and homeless shelters.

Healthcare workers who care for patients at risk for the disease.

Infants, children, and adolescents who are exposed to adults who are at risk for latent tuberculosis infection or the disease.

Tests are generally not needed for people with a low risk of infection with TB bacteria. For questions or testing, call us at (304) 324-8367, weekdays (except holidays) from 8 am - 4 pm.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver and is often caused by a virus.

In the United States, the common types of viral hepatitis are:

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis A virus. It is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter, even in microscopic amounts from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces or stool of an infected person. The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is spread by exposure to HBV infected blood or body fluid. In the United States, the most common methods of transmission include intravenous drug use and sexual intercourse. HBV can take 30 to 180 days to show symptoms in someone who is infected. The best way to prevent Hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.

Hepatitis C is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus is spread by exposure to HCV-infected blood or body fluid. In the United States, the most common methods of transmission include injection drug use, needlestick injuries in healthcare settings, birth to an HCV-infected mother, and through donated blood, blood products.
Less common means of transmission are high-risk sexual activity or sharing of personal items contaminated with blood with an HCV-infected person and invasive healthcare procedures (such as injections). Body piercing and tattooing are other potential sources of transmission if contaminated equipment or supplies are used. HCV can take 14 to 180 days (2 weeks to 6 months) to show symptoms in someone who is infected.

For questions about viral hepatitis or virus testing, call us at (304) 324-8367, weekdays (except holidays) from 8 am - 4 pm.

Communicable Disease Control

A communicable disease is one that is spread from one person to another through a variety of ways that include contact with blood and bodily fluids, breathing in an airborne virus, or being bitten by an insect.

Examples of communicable diseases are:

Hepatitis A, B, and C.

Salmonella

Tuberculosis

West Nile Virus

Influenza

Rabies

Coronavirus/Covid-19

LaCrosse Encephalitis

Epidemiology

Disease Testing & Prevention

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's)

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately because you may have an STD:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

It is the responsibility of the Mercer County Health Department:

There is currently no effective cure for HIV. Once people get infected, they have it for life. However, with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.

Tuberculosis

Skin and blood testing is available for those individuals who are at a higher risk of being infected with TB bacteria. These individuals are:

Tests are generally not needed for people with a low risk of infection with TB bacteria. For questions or testing, call us at (304) 324-8367, weekdays (except holidays) from 8 am - 4 pm.

Hepatitis

In the United States, the common types of viral hepatitis are:

For questions about viral hepatitis or virus testing, call us at (304) 324-8367, weekdays (except holidays) from 8 am - 4 pm.

Communicable Disease Control

Examples of communicable diseases are:

For questions or testing, call us at (304) 324-8367, weekdays (except holidays) from 8 am - 4 pm.

Need one of our Epidemiology Clinic Services?

Schedule an Appointment

(304) 324-8367