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1. How can I report an animal bite/scratch?

All animal bites and scratches are reportable to the Chester County Health Department within 24 hours. To report a bit/scratch, please complete the Animal Bite Report Form and an investigator will process your report on the next business day.

To determine if rabies post-exposure prophylaxis treatment is necessary, the Health Department strongly recommends that you consult with a physician, and visit https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/exposure/animals/domestic.html for further guidance.

2. What should I do if I find a bat in my home?

In all instances of potential human exposures involving bats, the bat in question should be safely collected, if possible, and submitted for rabies diagnosis. Rabies postexposure prophylaxis is recommended for all persons with bite, scratch, or mucous membrane (eyes, nose, mouth) exposure to a bat, unless the bat is available for testing and is negative for evidence of rabies.  For more information regarding rabies exposure and bats please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/exposure/animals/bats.html

Bats may be submitted alive; package in an ESCAPE-PROOF container (e.g. coffee can with tight fitting taped down lid) and clearly labeled “CAUTION - LIVE BAT.” DO NOT SHIP LIVE BATS! They MUST be hand-delivered to the laboratory;

Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of Laboratories 

110 Pickering Way 

Exton, PA 19341

Phone: 610-280-3464

Reporting:

Results are generally reported within 24-72 hours after the laboratory receives the sample (first day of receipt is considered on a business day prior to 10 am). Additionally, all non-negative rabies results are reported promptly by telephone and subsequently faxed to the physician and/or veterinarian, all submitters involved and to authorized public health officials. The laboratory does not report laboratory results directly to the public.

3. How do I report a communicable disease?

To report a communicable disease, please complete the Communicable Disease Form and an investigator will follow-up on the next business day. If you need immediate medical attention please contact your healthcare provider or 9-1-1. Medical providers who need immediate assistance with a communicable disease when the Health Department is closed should call 610-344-6225 and press 1.

4. What should I do if I am from a long term care facility and need to report an influenza/gastrointestinal outbreak at my facility?

Long term care facilities should report an influenza/gastrointestinal outbreak using the appropriate outbreak form at please complete appropriate outbreak intake form at Influenza and Gastrointestinal Outbreak Forms. Infection control measures are provided after completion of the form. An investigator will follow-up with your facility on the next business day.

5. What should I do if witness unsanitary conditions at an eating establishment, or become ill after eating at an eating establishment in Chester County?

If you would like to make formal complaint, please complete the Food Establishment Complaint Form.

6. How can I notify the Department if a sewage overflow is observed at a residence or commercial/industrial facility?

Contact the local Police Department and obtain an official Police report.

If you would like to make a formal complaint, please visit the following webpage and complete the appropriate Feed Back Form. An inspector will follow-up on the next business day.    

7. What should I do if I am a facility manager or owner looking for direction for any of the following scenarios:

• A fire has occurred in a food facility
• Flooding from a broken water line or flash flood
• Lack of water supply or having no water at all
• Experiencing a sewage back up
• Experiencing a power outage

The facility is to discontinue operations and contact the Chester County Health Department for further instructions. The facility is to remain closed until granted approval for a reopening by the Chester County Health Department. The facility owner/manager shall refer to the Department’s Emergency Action Plan for Retail Food Facilities located on our website for specific details and action steps.