Service Results for Infectious Disease

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by direct contact with an infected person's blood. It is the most common blood-borne disease in the United States. The symptoms of the hepatitis C virus can be very similar to those of the hepatitis A and B viruses.

The Infectious Disease Epidemiology section is staffed by thirty epidemiologists and support staff who act as disease detectives to track the causes and consequences of infectious diseases.  The purpose of this section is to study the distribution of infectious diseases in the community and to carry out or coordinate programs that prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

The Louisiana Department of Health relies upon selected sentinel health practitioners across the state to report the number of visits consistent with an influenza-like illness (ILI): fever over 100°F AND cough and/or sore throat. Providers are supplied with specimen collection kits, and submit samples to the state Public Health Laboratory for influenza PCR testing.  Reports are used to estimate the state's ILI rate and the magnitude of the state's influenza activity. Reports represent only the distribution of flu in the state, not an actual count of all flu cases statewide.

The Louisiana Morbidity Report is published every other month by the Office of Public Health/Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section. For more information, please contact them at: P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160 - Phone: (504) 568-8313

Mumps is a contagious diseases caused by a virus. It spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. There is no treatment for mumps, and it can cause long-term health problems. The best way to protect against mumps is to get the measles-mumps-rubella shot (called the MMR shot). Doctors recommend that everyone get the MMR shot.