Diseases can be transmitted in a variety of ways: by animal or insect bites, contaminated food or water, or from person to person.

It's much easier to control and prevent a disease outbreak than to treat one. The Grundy County Health Department monitors our county for possible disease trends. This is called surveillance. Surveillance sites are located throughout the county; they report the number of sick people so we can look for increased activity.
 
Certain illnesses are reportable. When a person contracts whooping cough, for example, GCHD works with the person, his family, and other possible contacts to limit the spread of disease. Vaccinations are offered, if appropriate, and contacts are educated about how the disease can be spread.

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Communicable Disease Control

• Monitor and analyze reports of disease in Grundy County to determine the incidence and prevalence of disease

• Investigate reported diseases and conditions, including outbreaks, to identify possible contacts who may be infected or others at risk for infection

• Collaborate with community and state partners

• ​Provide educational programming and develop prevention strategies​