Infectious Disease Prevention and Control

While the risk of exposure to rabies is low in St. Louis County, the risk of rabies transmission after an animal bite needs to be ruled out or preventative medical care provided.

An infection with the rabies virus is nearly always fatal if treatment is not started before the appearance of symptoms. Time is an important factor for needed treatment. The person who has been bitten should contact a healthcare provider immediately to determine what treatment is recommended.

Public health professionals follow-up on reported animal bites and assess the risk of rabies transmission. They contact the person bitten AND the animal owner to evaluate the situation and make recommendations.

The Minnesota Department of Health provides information on a large number of Infectious Diseases and Conditions.

The Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools manual (Hennepin County) is a resource that contains fact sheets about a number of infectious diseases, as well as information for disease prevention and control. Information is intended for parents, childcare providers, and school health staff.
 

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune systems. All people can be affected by HIV regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, income, or other social factors. 

There has been an increase in new HIV infections in Duluth and the surrounding area. People considered at high risk in this outbreak include:

• People who use injection drugs or share needles/works.

• People experiencing homelessness or unstable housing.

• Men who have sex with men (MSM)

• People who exchange sex for income and other items they need.

Duluth HIV Outbreak Resources (downloadable PDF)

HIV Outbreak Response and Case Counts - Minnesota Dept. of Health (mn.gov)

Monkeypox is a viral illness closely related to smallpox but which causes much less severe disease. It is not a new disease, however, person-to-person transmission of the virus in some countries, including the U.S. is new.

Monkeypox usually starts with symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, swollen glands and fatigue, followed by a rash. Not everyone with monkeypox has these symptoms; some will only have a rash.

The risk to the general public from monkeypox is low. Those most at risk for getting monkeypox are those who have close, prolonged contact with other people infected with monkeypox. While anyone can get monkeypox, currently a high proportion of cases are occurring among people who identify as gay and bisexual men. It’s important for people in this risk group, those who are at high-risk, to be aware of monkeypox and steps they can take to reduce their risk of infection.

Monkeypox Vaccine

There is a vaccine for monkeypox, however the supply is limited. Because St. Louis county is experiencing an HIV outbreak in Duluth and the epidemiology indicates the risk factors for HIV transmission are similar for monkeypox, healthcare facilities in St. Louis County were prioritized to receive the monkeypox vaccine.

St. Louis County Public Health is working with the Minnesota Department of Health and local healthcare systems to distribute and administer vaccine to individuals recommended for vaccination.

Monkeypox (MPX) - Minnesota Dept. of Health (state.mn.us)

St. Louis County offers public immunization clinics for children 18 years of age or younger who are eligible for Minnesota Vaccine for Children (MnVFC).  Children enrolled in a Minnesota Health Care program (Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare) are encouraged to see their primary health care provider for Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) exams and immunizations.

To schedule an appointment call:

• Public Health-South at 218-725-5210 
• Public Health-North at 218-471-7600

MnVFC Information:

• Can My Child Get Free or Low Cost Shots?

Immunization Trends and Data:

• Childhood
• Adolescent
• Adults
• Influenza

Immunization Resources:

• MDH Immunization
• Vaccine Preventable Diseases
• MDH Flu Statistics 
• Are your Kids Ready? When to get vaccines Birth to 16 years
• Can My Child Get Free or Low Cost shots?
• International Travelers Information
• Where can I Find My immunization records?

Public health professionals provide education, and medication monitoring of persons requiring treatment for active(TB) and latent Tuberculosis (TB).

A Public Health Nurse administers and interprets Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Tests (TST) for St. Louis County residents and staff at risk of TB exposure. To schedule an appointment, call the Public Health Division.