St. Charles County Department of Community
Health & The Environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, September 16, 2003

CONTACTS:
Contact: Nancy Duncan, Director-Division of Public Health 636-949-7407
Katrina Brail, Epidemiologist 636-949-7557

Emerging Infections Information Now Online
New Material Addresses Questions and Concerns of Citizens and Travelers

St. Charles County - The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment announced today that a new section has been added to the department's existing website to provide information about emerging infections to citizens and travelers. Emerging infections include old, well-known diseases that are reappearing and spreading and new diseases including SARS and Monkeypox.

Earlier this year during the SARS outbreak, many calls were received from citizens planning travel to foreign countries asking for the most up-to-date information and recommendations. That information is now online in addition to with detailed descriptions of diseases that are considered actual or potential emerging infections. Links to many other online resources are also available. The information and links are targeted to both the general public and to practicing health professionals.

The Department of Community Health and the Environment website can be reached through the St. Charles County Government website under the department listings or, directly, by going to www.scchealth.org. Click on the link on the right-hand side of the page for emerging infections and bioterrorism. Information can also be obtained by calling 636-949-7400.

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