Columbia Health Center
8930 Stanford Blvd
Columbia, MD 21045
United States
Infection Prevention & Control Program (IPC)
In alignment with the Health Department, the IPC Program’s mission is to promote, preserve, and protect the health of all in Howard County. We work towards this by monitoring and investigating lab reports of reportable infectious diseases so that appropriate actions can be taken to prevent and control potential outbreaks and provide timely public health information to members of the community.
The Maryland Code of Regulations stipulates what conditions should be reported, who should report, how reporting should occur, where reports are sent, and important timelines. -Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with several cases of H5 in U.S. dairy workers. While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures. CDC is using its flu surveillance systems to monitor for H5N1 activity in people.
Resources:
- CDC Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
- Maryland Department of Health FAQ (April 4, 2024)
- FDA Milk Safety FAQ
- CDC Reducing Risk for People Working with or Exposed to Animals
- Maryland Department of Agriculture Avian Influenza in Poultry Flocks Page (Info for Backyard Flocks included)
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
The number of reported whooping cough cases this year is higher than what was seen at this time last year. The United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year.
- CDC recommends whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination for everyone.
- Whooping cough vaccines are the best way to protect against whooping cough.
- These vaccines work well, but protection fades over time.
- Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about whooping cough vaccines and to make sure your children are up-to-date on all childhood vaccines.
More information about Whooping Cough, how it spreads, and how to protect yourself.
Resources
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The IPC Program includes the following:
- Infectious Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Program
- Infectious Disease Monitoring and Reporting
- Rabies Response
- Foodborne Illness Complaints
- Outbreak Response
- HIV and STI Prevention Programs
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Services
If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to an infectious disease, please call 410-313-1412 for assistance during normal business hours. After hours, please call 410-313-2200. For medical emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
Information for Healthcare Providers
Howard County Healthcare Providers who need to submit a reportable illness case to the Health Department should call 410-313-1412. Providers may also email infectiousdisease@howardcountymd.gov for assistance.
MDH Oropouche Virus Clinician Letter (August 19, 2024)
Other Infectious Disease Information: