Communicable Disease Control Program

The Pender County Health Department is dedicated to protecting our community’s health by preventing, identifying, and managing communicable diseases. Through collaboration with individuals, healthcare providers, and community partners, we work to reduce the spread of infectious diseases through timely reporting, education, immunization, and targeted intervention.

Our Communicable Disease Control Program tracks and monitors both suspected and confirmed cases of infectious disease. Public health professionals investigate outbreaks to identify their source, prevent further transmission, and protect public safety. This program also plays a key role in prevention—leading hygiene and vaccination awareness campaigns and working with healthcare providers to promote best practices in infection control.

What We Do:

  • Disease Surveillance & Investigation
    We monitor the spread of diseases in Pender County and investigate reported cases to identify sources and prevent further transmission.
  • Case Management & Contact Tracing
    Our team follows up with individuals who are infected or exposed to communicable diseases, offering support and guidance to reduce spread.
  • Immunizations
    We provide vaccines for children and adults, including school-required immunizations, travel vaccines, and protection against diseases such as COVID-19, hepatitis, measles, and flu.
  • Outreach & Education
    We educate the public on prevention practices such as handwashing, staying home when sick, safe food handling, and proper hygiene.
  • Healthcare Provider Support
    We assist local healthcare providers with reporting requirements and coordinate public health responses.

Commonly Monitored Diseases:

When to Contact Us:

  • You or someone you know has been diagnosed with a reportable disease
  • You need immunizations or vaccination records
  • You have questions about symptoms or disease exposure
  • You're a provider needing to report a communicable disease

📞 Contact Us:
Pender County Health Department
Phone: (910) 259-1230

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Services

The Pender County Health Department works to reduce—and ultimately eliminate—illnesses and deaths related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, AIDS, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. Left untreated, STDs can lead to serious long-term health issues such as infertility, birth defects, and chronic pain.

HIV Testing & Risk Assessment

HIV testing is a vital part of our STD program. Early detection, combined with modern medications, can greatly improve and extend quality of life. Our services include confidential HIV testing, individual risk assessments, and prevention education provided by trained health professionals.

STD Evaluation & Treatment

Patients who visit the health department for STD services are guaranteed complete personal privacy. Every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation, appropriate diagnostic testing, and treatment as needed.

Prevention & Education

We believe education is key to preventing the spread of STDs. Our staff provides personalized, evidence-based education and resources to help individuals understand risks and make informed decisions about their sexual health.

STD Clinic Hours

Monday through Friday
7AM - 5:30PM

Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex)

Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) is transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets. Although the disease has historically been a major cause of death throughout the world, with appropriate therapy, it is now curable in most cases. Contact investigations and case management conducted by health department staff and the medical community help to prevent outbreaks of the disease. Tuberculin skin tests help to identify persons who are likely to convert from "suspect" to "disease," and with appropriate therapy, prevent the actual disease occurrence.

TB medications are available at the health department at no charge. TB skin tests are available on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday, from 7:00AM to 5:30PM.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis A and B are both vaccine-preventable diseases. The Health Department offers both vaccines available on a walk-in basis during clinic hours. The Health Department offers free Hepatitis C testing for any individuals who uses IV drugs, HIV-positive patients, and Baby Boomers (those born between 1945 and 1965). Should anyone test positive, they will be referred for treatment and can be cured.

Pender County Health Department offers a Sliding Fee Scale Discount based on family size and income. Please call 910-259-1230 for a Sliding Fee Scale Application.  No one will be denied services based on inability to pay.