Disease Prevention & Testing

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why. The Health District provides communicable disease investigation and response, data tracking and analysis, outbreak investigation, and health education.

For more information about epidemiology services, contact Jason Deese at (540) 585-3325 or email jason.deese@vdh.virginia.gov.

Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by viruses or bacteria that people spread to one another through contact with contaminated surfaces, bodily fluids, blood products, insect bites, or through the air. The Health District offer services include screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of all persons exposed to specific diseases–tuberculosis (TB), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, foodborne illnesses, etc. Information is given regarding preventing disease, recognizing symptoms, and obtaining treatment.

Learn more about communicable diseases.

Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory illnesses frequently spread through mucus and saliva when a person coughs, sneezes, talks or laughs. The best way to prevent the spread is to stay home when sick and have a margin of 24 hours after recovery or after a fever resolves without the help of medications.

Visit the CDC’s “Stay Home When You Are Sick” page for more information about preventing illness in the workplace.

Learn more about respiratory illnesses.

Sexual Health Testing, Prevention, and Treatment

New River Health District is offering FREE and CONFIDENTIAL testing for several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at offsite locations in the community. We are currently offering testing for:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

  • Hepatitis B

  • Hepatitis C

  • Syphilis

  • Chlamydia

  • Gonorrhea

Services are available at all Health District locations. To schedule an appointment, contact your local health department.

Click here for patient registration form.
(opens in new tab)

Insect-borne and Rodent-borne Diseases

“Vector-borne disease” is the term commonly used to describe an illness caused by an infectious microbe that is transmitted to people by insects, arachnids, and bugs, including ticks and mosquitoes.

Learn more about Lyme Disease prevention.

For more information, contact your local health department.