The Jefferson County Health Department monitors communicable disease through the process of active and passive surveillance with the assistance from local providers, hospitals, schools, and day cares. 

Active Surveillance: Sentinel sites which give a representation of our county's population are solicited weekly for illnesses and conditions occurring within that agency. This information gives early indication of illness trends in our community and helps with outbreak identification.

Passive Surveillance: The Health Department receives notification of specified illnesses and conditions from agencies required to do by law and within a predetermined timeframe. The ensuing case investigation serves to identify the disease origin and susceptible contacts.

We are always recruiting school based sites for additional active surveillance. Please contact us at (636) 282-1010 x264 for more information.