A major component of this service is to prevent and educate about communicable diseases. These diseases include but are not limited to: sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS.

  FAQs

• If I think I have been exposed to an STD, how do I get tested? And how much does it cost?
• I think I got sick from food that I ate at a restaurant, who do I call?
• I had a tick bite, can I get the tick tested?

 
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Services

Education about STD prevention is provided by a nurse at the local health department.
Evaluation and treatment for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are available to persons with symptoms of infection, or for persons who have an infected sexual partner.

Who can get this service?

This education services is available to any Worcester County resident seeking information about STD prevention.  Treatment for infection is available to uninsured persons.


How much does this service cost?

Cost varies from a zero charge to full fee. Please call to discuss your needs with our nurse who can provide a cost estimate.

Tuberculosis services

Tuberculosis (TB) testing is available for persons at high risk of exposure to TB. If testing is positive, follow-up treatment is available including medical evaluation, treatment with medication and case management services through our Snow Hill Health Center.

Who can get this service?

This service is available to any Worcester County resident at high risk of exposure to Tuberculosis.

How much does this service cost?

These services are free.

 
HIV Testing

The health department offers counseling, testing and referral services for individuals at risk for HIV or AIDS. Testing is available at no cost to individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford testing. Anonymous testing is available for persons with confidentiality concerns that might prevent them from seeking services. Client-centered counseling designed to reduce client risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV is available, as are referrals for medical or psychological evaluation and social support.

Who can get this service?

This service is available to any person wanting counseling and testing.

How much does this service cost?

This service is free.

 
HIV Case Management

Case management services are offered for clients infected with HIV and are provided by a team of a Social Work and Registered Nurse. Case management provides assistance with access to medical care, housing, medication, and provides information on availability of benefits specifically aimed at the HIV infected persons.

Where is this service provided?

Snow Hill Health Center

Who can get this service?

This service is available to any Worcester County resident infected with HIV.

How much does this service cost?

This service is free.

 Investigating and reporting
 

The Communicable Disease Program is responsible for the investigation and reporting of diseases per Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).  We also have the responsibility for the epidemiological investigation of each suspected or reported outbreak of disease.

Where is this service provided?

Snow Hill Health Center

Who can get this service?

This service is provided after receipt of a laboratory or medical provider report of a communicable disease in a Worcester County resident, or upon a valid report of outbreak of illness in the community.

How much does this service cost?

This service is free.

West Nile Virus: 

West Nile virus exists in nature through a transmission cycle involving mosquitoes and birds. Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus when they feed on infected birds, which may carry the virus in their blood for a few days. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile virus to humans and animals when biting to take a blood meal. In rare instances, West Nile virus may be transmitted from human to human through organ donation or blood transfusion or from pregnant mother to fetus. These new modes of transmission are still under investigation.

Most individuals infected with West Nile virus will not have any symptoms or signs of illness. People who develop illness may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches; occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands may be noticed. Less than 1% of persons infected with the virus may develop a more severe disease with symptoms including high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and, rarely, death. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed, please contact your healthcare provider.

The following steps may help you avoid contact with mosquitoes:

• Stay indoors at dawn or early evening
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
• Use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered insect repellent and following package instructions
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by:
  • Removing all discarded tires from your property
  • Disposing of any water-holding containers
  • Changing the water in pet dishes and replacing the water in bird baths weekly
  • Drilling holes in tires swings so water drains out
  • Keeping children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used

Dead bird surveillance during the past years has provided valuable information on the spread of WNV in Maryland. West Nile virus has now been detected in human and animal populations in nearly all jurisdictions in Maryland, and is expected to return each year.

If you find a dead bird, please dispose of it as follows:

• Wear plastic or latex gloves or use a plastic bag as a glove
• With your gloved hand, place or wrap the bird in a plastic bag and tie the bag securely
• Dispose of the bag (and gloves) in an outdoor trash receptacle
• Wash your hands with soap and water

Sick or injured birds should be reported to your local wildlife rehabilitator (call 1-877-463-6497 for a list of licensed rehabilitators)

For more information on West Nile virus visit:

Maryland Department of Agriculture - Office of Plant Industries and Pest Management
Centers for Disease Control - West Nile Virus Page
Maryland Mosquito Control Information Page - Links to West Nile and Zika Info

These services are provided by the Nursing Program.