Columbia Health Center
8930 Stanford Blvd
Columbia, MD 21045
United States
Infection Prevention & Control Program (IPC)
In alignment with the Health Department, the IPC Program’s mission is to promote, preserve, and protect the health of all in Howard County. We work towards this by monitoring and investigating lab reports of reportable infectious diseases so that appropriate actions can be taken to prevent and control potential outbreaks and provide timely public health information to members of the community.
The Maryland Code of Regulations stipulates what conditions should be reported, who should report, how reporting should occur, where reports are sent, and important timelines. -Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
On April 1, 2024, a Texas resident with exposure to dairy cattle tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1), also known as bird flu and avian influenza. The person has been treated and is currently recovering. Despite this recent human case of HPAI A(H5N1), the current outbreak is considered an animal health issue at this time, primarily affecting wild birds, poultry, and some mammals. While the HPAI A(H5N1) outbreak is considered an animal health issue at this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with other state public health agencies to minimize risk of human exposure for the general population.
Resources:
- CDC Situation Summary
- CDC Health Alert Network advisory
- Maryland Department of Health FAQ
- FDA Milk Safety FAQ
- MDH H5N1 Virus Guidance for Farm Workers (English/Spanish)
- Maryland Department of Agriculture Avian Influenza in Poultry Flocks Page (Info for Backyard Flocks included)
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The IPC Program includes the following:
- Infectious Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Program
- Infectious Disease Monitoring and Reporting
- Rabies Response
- Foodborne Illness Complaints
- Outbreak Response
- HIV and STI Prevention Programs
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Services
If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to an infectious disease, please call 410-313-1412 for assistance during normal business hours. After hours, please call 410-313-2200. For medical emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
Information for Healthcare Providers
Howard County Healthcare Providers who need to submit a reportable illness case to the Health Department should call 410-313-1412. Providers may also email infectiousdisease@howardcountymd.gov for assistance.
Other Infectious Disease Information: