Disease investigation and prevention of outbreaks are among the highest priorities of Wood County Health Department due to the fact it is an important part of protecting the public’s health. Our goal is to prevent and reduce transmission of all infectious disease through a system of surveillance, control and education. Certain communicable diseases are required by law to be reported to the local health department. Our epidemiologists contacts the healthcare provider, patient and/or family to determine how the disease was contracted and also instructs how to prevent further spread of the disease.

Foodborne Illness

There are more than 250 different foodborne diseases caused by different bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins and chemicals. These different diseases have many different symptoms. However, the most common first symptoms are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea