Disease Surveillance
Disease surveillance is the on-going monitoring of communicable (infectious) diseases to detect and respond to health threats. Three Rivers Public Health Department monitors communicable diseases through use of the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS). Reported diseases are investigated to detect outbreaks and provide recommendations and education to protect the health of the community.
As part of this surveillance, Three Rivers partners with local hospitals, health care providers, nursing homes, and schools to receive prompt notification of reportable diseases.
- 50 schools report student absences every week throughout the school year.
- 20+ long term care facilities report influenza-like illness every week throughout influenza season.
- 3 hospitals report influenza-like illness every week throughout influenza season.
For more information on diseases:
List of Diseases & Conditions - DHHS
To learn about Nebraska's Health Alert Network:
Health Alert Network (HAN) - DHHS
Online Foodborne Illness Report Form - DHHS
Disease Reporting
Communicable disease and other conditions may pose a threat to the public health. Use the following guidelines for what should be reported:
For immediate notification of reportable diseases in Nebraska counties (outside of Douglas and Lancaster counties), call: 402-471-1983 or the 3RPHD after-hours emergency line: 402-727-5396 (option 4).