Outbreak Prevention

Why It Matters

Many communicable diseases can be prevented from spreading through washing hands, getting immunizations, and handling food properly, and taking other precautionary actions.

Unfortunately, several communicable diseases are on the rise. Oregon has recently experienced the worst measles outbreak since 1991. In 2019 between January and July, there were 23 confirmed cases of measles. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, are spreading at alarming rates. Houseless populations are at increased risk of getting Hepatitis A as the disease quickly spreads across the country.

What We Are Doing

Local public health authorities (LPHAs) are constantly monitoring, responding and investigating the spread of communicable disease and are prepared to respond to outbreaks. Public health officials receive reports of confirmed or suspected cases of disease and together with public health nurses they will investigate the source of the disease and work with individuals or the community to get people treatment, stop the spread of the disease, and keep people safe and healthy.

In the 2019 legislative session CLHO supported and helped to pass HB 2600, which requires long-term care facilities to have more training in identifying and reporting outbreaks.