Environmental Health and Safety works with our medical partners including Cougar Health Services to minimize the spread of communicable diseases through proper hygiene, minimizing contact with others when symptomatic, sharing information if diagnosed, and adhering to the vaccination policy. The Washington State Department of Health and Whitman County Health Department have created a lot of guidance to inform the public of best practices, and what steps to follow if you unfortunately become sick, diagnosed with a communicable disease, or identified as a close contact of someone who has been diagnosed.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Flu Prevention
- Respirators during Influenza Pandemics: A Guide for Use – Factsheet
- Respiratory Protection: Its Role in Seasonal Influenza – Factsheet
- Flu information on the Health & Wellness web page
Handwashing
- Handwashing and Disinfection: Reducing the Spread of Infection – Factsheet
- Handwashing Sign
Hantavirus
West Nile Virus
Avian Flu Factsheets
- Avian Flu: Guidelines for Transporting, Treating, and Interacting with Potentially Infected Individuals
- Avian Flu: Travel Guide for Areas Reporting Outbreaks
- Avian Flu Protection: Guidelines for Animal Care Staff, Laboratory Workers and Field Biologists
Other Links
- Center for Disease Control
- WA Dept of Health
- Flu Prevention
- Be a Healthy Coug!
- Cover your Cough poster
- Flu News
- Seasonal Flu Handwashing
- MRSA
(Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)