Diseases like hepatitis, measles, salmonella, tuberculosis, brucellosis, rabies, meningitis and many more are reported to our agency. We provide follow-up on contacts (family or friends) of these patients, and provide some services for the patients themselves.

Tuberculosis

The Health Department provides tuberculosis skin testing and conducts follow-up checkups on active cases of TB. Free anti-TB medications can be obtained through the Missouri Department of Health with a doctor’s order

Communicable Disease Surveillance and Reporting

Missouri has 116 reportable communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, whooping cough, hepatitis, and meningitis. Local health care providers are required to report such diseases to the Health Department. A Public Health Nurse and Environmental Public Health Specialists investigate and follow up on reported communicable diseases in order to identify the origin of the disease, control the further spread, and prevent a recurrence.

COVID-19 Information

On Wednesday March 30, 2022, Governor Parson Announces End to COVID-19 Crisis in Missouri  and that the state will be shifting to an endemic phase of the pandemic on Friday, April 1, 2022. 

A whole-of-government COVID-19 emergency response was taken for more than two years, an effort that responded to the needs of all Missourians during the global pandemic and sustained state operations as more was learned about the novel virus. Vaccines, testing resources, and treatments are now readily available for all Missourians, and much of the population now has some immunity to the virus.  “Over the past two years, we have learned a lot that will help us respond to future outbreaks and challenges that may come our way,” Governor Parson said. “We don’t know if this virus will ever completely go away, but we do know that there is no longer a need to live in crisis mode and that we can shift our response to meet the current needs of Missourians. The COVID-19 crisis is over in the state of Missouri, and we are moving on.” 

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, is expected to continue to circulate in communities, meaning it will be considered endemic like many other diseases. The endemicity also means that surveillance priority will change from monitoring case numbers to monitoring disease severity and societal impact as new waves of infection come and go. This transition does not minimize the continued importance of public health surveillance, investigation, and response activities, as is necessary to mitigate any disease.  “As we enter this phase of our state’s recovery, we continue to encourage Missourians to safeguard their own health and the health of loved ones through tried and true public health measures,” said Department of Health and Senior Services Acting Director Paula Nickelson. “Missourians should feel confident that we will remain vigilant when monitoring COVID-19 levels throughout the state.”

Over the past two years, the state was able to achieve some incredible milestones in responding to COVID-19:
    *Testing Capacity
    *More than 14 million tests performed by public health partners
    *Treatment Options
    *More than 81,000 treatment courses distributed by the State of Missouri
    *Vaccine Availability
    *More than 8.7 million doses administered by public health partners

In addition to vaccines, testing, and treatment options, which are some of the most effective tools to fight COVID-19, Missouri has expanded capabilities over the past two years in areas of personal protective equipment (PPE), hospital capacity, and data collection. These capabilities allow Missouri to adapt to changing needs regarding COVID-19 in the future.  Missouri’s approach moving forward will allow state and local health officials to closely monitor community level of COVID-19, determine which variants of SARS-CoV-2 are circulating through the genomic surveillance, and assess disease severity and impact of COVID-19-associated illnesses.

COVID Data Tracking

The Department of Health and Senior Services provides weekly dashboard updates that includes 7-day case rate data, activity by region and county, statewide data on COVID-19 hospitalizations, and circulating virus variants. This is a flexible approach allowing accommodation for future surges, should they occur, and require more frequent updates and additional datasets.

If you would like more information about Butler County's COVID Health Metrics visit: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/data/public-health/health-metrics/county.php

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a COVID data tracker that reflects daily updates in regards to number of COVID cases, deaths, hospitalizations, and vaccinations in the United States. To view this information, please visit: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home.

Vaccine Information
Butler County Health Department 
(573) 785-8478 
1619 N. Main St,  
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 

The following immunizations are available at the BCHD 
The Pfizer vaccine is available (1st and 2nd dose). 
Bivalent boosters are available. 
The Novavax vaccine is available to ages 12y and older, however, there are no boosters available for this vaccine at this time.  

Appointments are available every Friday from 8AM - 3:30PM. To schedule an appointment, please call 573-785-8478.  

Alternate Locations

Walmart Neighborhood Market Pharmacy 
(573) 772-7164 
3001 Oak Grove Rd,  
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

Walgreens Pharmacy 
(573) 776-1476 
110 N Westwood Blvd,  
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 

Key Drugs 
(573) 785-8218 
910 N Westwood Blvd,  
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 

John’s Pharmacy 
(573) 785-0984 
909 W Pine St,  
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 

Testing

The Butler County Health Department offers free COVID-19 testing. COVID-19 testing is available on-site at the health department  or you can request a free COVID-19 at home test kit.  Please call 573-785-8478 to request a COVID19 testing appointment or an at home COVID-19 test kit. 

Full list of reportable diseases in Missouri