Overview

NACCHO is strengthening local health department (LHD) capacity to respond to and control infectious diseases. Cases or suspected cases of new and emerging infections are likely to appear in community hospitals, private provider offices, and community health centers, making LPHAs frontline responders. Approaches to preventing infectious disease or controlling its spread depend on identifying causes and understanding how they can best be addressed. 

Emerging infections present special challenges to public health agencies in the prevention and control processes. Since 1999, our nation has faced outbreaks of West Nile Virus, hantaviruses, anthrax, tularemia, and monkeypox. These outbreaks prompted local public health officials to examine issues regarding isolation and quarantine, legal authority, infectious disease reporting requirements, local capacity for execution of emergency ordinances, and reassessment of overall public health preparedness activities.

NACCHO is committed to helping LHDs develop and sustain infectious disease infrastructures that are designed to meet their current and emerging needs for the 21st century.