Communicable Disease

Jackson County Public Health is required to investigate diseases and conditions that are considered to have significant public health impacts, such as some listed below.   This is done through source investigation, notification and treating contacts as needed, and providing individual and public education. 

The most common diseases reported to the Jackson County Health Department includes Chlamydia, Babesia, Ehrlichiosis, and Hepatitis B and C. 

Common Communicable Diseases in Jackson County

Tick Bite - Removal Tips

If you find a tick attached to your skin, simply remove the tick as soon as possible. There are several tick removal devices on the market, but a plain set of fine-tipped tweezers works very well.

How to remove a tick

  1. Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

  2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you cannot remove the mouth easily with tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.

  3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

  4. Never crush a tick with your fingers. Dispose of a live tick by

    • Putting it in alcohol,

    • Placing it in a sealed bag/container,

    • Wrapping it tightly in tape, or

    • Flushing it down the toilet.

Tick Bite: What to Do Fact Sheet

Download this fact sheet by clicking on the image above.