Chronic diseases

Chronic diseases — such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes — are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Chronic diseases account for 70 percent of all deaths in the U.S., which is 1.7 million each year. These diseases also cause major limitations in daily living for almost 1 out of 10 Americans.

There are two types of illnesses: acute and chronic. Acute illnesses (such as a cold or the flu) are usually over relatively quickly. Chronic illnesses, though, are long-lasting health conditions (the word "chronic" comes from the Greek word "chronos," meaning time).

While chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also among the most preventable. Adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, being physically active and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or control the devastating effects of these diseases.

An infectious disease is a disease resulting from the presence of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Infectious diseases are usually contagious diseases (also called communicable diseases) due to their potential transmission from one person or species to another.

Transmission of an infectious disease may occur through one or more diverse pathways including physical contact with infected individuals. These infecting agents may also be transmitted through liquids, food, body fluids, contaminated objects, airborne inhalation or through vectors, such as ticks and mosquitoes.

ODH has several programs aimed at preventing and control infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, HIV/STD, Hepatitis C, perinatal Hepatitis B, and vaccine-preventable diseases.

Infectious Disease Control Manual

The Infectious Disease Control Manual (IDCM) is a reference for health departments, hospitals, laboratories and physicians in Ohio, providing information about infectious conditions from a public health perspective, including prevention, control and reporting of suspected and diagnosed cases. It is also intended to assist in the development of local policies and procedures.

Infectious Disease Investigations

ODH's Outbreak Response and Bioterrorism Investigation Team (ORBIT) works with local health departments and our state and federal partners, to prevent and control foodborne, waterborne, emerging infectious disease outbreaks and incidents of bioterrorism in Ohio.

Infectious Disease Surveillance

The Infectious Disease Surveillance Program gathers information on infectious diseases of public health concern from doctors, hospitals and laboratories in accordance with Ohio’s Communicable Disease Reporting Rules.

Sample Vaccine Administration Protocol

1. 2009 Vaccine Protocol, Sections 1 - 5
2. 2009 Vaccine Protocol, Appendices