In the case of refusal or neglect of any board of county commissioners to appoint a county health officer for 30 days after January 1 next following any general election, or if a vacancy shall exist in the office of county health officer for a period exceeding 30 days, the Chief Medical Officer may make such appointment for the county for that term and fix the compensation; and a county health officer so appointed shall have the same duties, power and authority as though appointed by the board of county commissioners.