Surveillance and Control of Diseases Dangerous to the Public Health

The Department and local boards of health are authorized to conduct surveillance activities necessary for the investigation, monitoring, control and prevention of diseases dangerous to the public health. Such activities shall include, but need not be limited to: (A) Systematic collection and evaluation of morbidity and mortality reports. This includes the collection and analysis of data derived from electronic health record systems. (B) Investigation into the existence of diseases dangerous to the public health to determine the causes and extent of such diseases and to formulate prevention and control measures. (C) Identification of cases and contacts. (D) Counseling and interviewing individuals as appropriate to assist in positive identification of exposed individuals and to develop information relating to the source and spread of illness. (E) Monitoring the medical condition of individuals diagnosed with or exposed to diseases dangerous to the public health. (F) Collection and/or preparation of data concerning the availability and use of vaccines, immune globulins, insecticides and other substances used in disease prevention and control. (G) Collection and/or preparation of data regarding immunity levels in segments of the population and other relevant epidemiological data. (H) Ensuring that diseases dangerous to the public health are subject to the requirements of 105 CMR 300.200 and other proper control measures.