Mesa County Health Department Releases List of the Most Commonly Reported Diseases

A report released by the Mesa County Health Department identifies the most commonly reported diseases in the County, how they're contracted, and the best way avoid them.

Reportable diseases are defined as those diseases medical professionals are required to report to the health department. Some of those diseases include Influenza, West Nile Virus, and Varicella.

Mesa County Health Department Executive Director Jeff Kuhr says,

One of our main roles in public health is education. This report is just one more way for Mesa County Health Department to inform residents about what’s happening health-wise in our community. We hope it will empower residents to take action to keep themselves healthy, whether that be through immunizations, good handwashing or other methods.”

The most recent Reportable Disease Report identified more than 80 reportable diseases in Colorado. In Mesa County, the most common reportable diseases are,

1. Chlamydia - Sexually transmitted disease
2. Influenza - Flu
3. Gonorrhea - Sexually transmitted disease
4. Campylobacteriosis - "Campy" foodborne diarrheal illness
5. Salmonellosis - Salmonella foodborne diarrheal illness

Other diseases reported include Strep/Pneumonia, Chicken Pox, Whooping Cough, Giardia, and infections from animal bites.

The report also lists the most common way illnesses are spread and tips on avoiding them.

[Mesa County Health Department]