For health care providers
Local providers must report cases of reportable disease to Butler County Health Department. The department investigates, follows up with contacts, and reports upward to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The full reportable disease list is maintained by Missouri DHSS and is linked directly rather than re-hosted here.
What we investigate
Hepatitis, measles, salmonella, tuberculosis, brucellosis, rabies, meningitis, whooping cough, and many others. When a case is reported, staff follow up with family, friends, and others who may have been exposed.
Tuberculosis
The health department provides TB skin testing and follow-up on active TB cases. Free anti-TB medication is available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Call (573) 785-8478 to arrange a test.
How an investigation works
An epidemiological investigation asks a set of questions. Answering them is what lets the department stop further exposure.
Identify the causative agent
Identify contributing factors
Determine who is at risk
Establish the mode of transmission
Establish when and where the exposure occurred
COVID-19
For current guidance and vaccine availability, call the department or see the Missouri DHSS respiratory illness dashboard, linked at the source so the information is never out of date.