Communicable Disease Surveillance
Communicable Disease Surveillance is a key core public health function and includes the collection and analysis of data, and the provision of opportunities for public health action to prevent and control the spread of disease. Surveillance reports come from hospital laboratories, hospitals, military clinics, local physicians, school health nurses, and the general public in Santa Rosa County.
Common Communicable Diseases
Resistance to Antibiotics
Antibiotic resistance is the ability of organisms to withstand the effects of an antibiotic medication. While the number of these cases has increased in recent years, the number of severe infections (defined as those causing death), have not significantly increased. The reason for the increased number of resistant organisms is primarily caused by the repeated and improper use of antibiotics.
Prevention Methods:
- Take antibiotics only as prescribed by your doctor
- Finish all your medication, even if you start to feel better and never skip doses
- Do not take antibiotics for a viral illness such as a cold or flu