Epidemiology
Epidemiology is a branch of science that deals with the study of the incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population. The Bureau of Epidemiology directly supports the first goal of the Department of Health to "Prevent and Treat Infectious Diseases of Public Health Significance"
and works to protect the health of all people in Florida. The
Bureau of Epidemiology monitors the prevalence of diseases and conditions that affect public health, provides
expertise and analysis of communicable and chronic diseases,
investigates disease outbreaks, and makes recommendations pertaining to case management and control of future disease outbreaks.
What do Epidemiologists Do?
Epidemiologists improve the public's health by monitoring, identifying causes of, and developing solutions for health problems. When diseases occur, epidemiologists conduct investigations to determine the cause. They take biological samples, analyze charts and graphs, interview those with the disease, conduct surveys for linkages and long-term costs, and consult with other public health authorities on strategies for controlling and avoiding future outbreaks.
The Bureau of Epidemiology conducts surveillance (population-based monitoring) on more than 100 reportable diseases and conditions of public health importance for the purpose of rapid case finding and implementation of control measures to prevent secondary cases of illness. This is a core public health function listed in
F.S. 381.001(2)
and
Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 64D-3. Bureau epidemiologists
also provide consultation to county and local health agencies on diseases
requiring public health intervention, collaborate with the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention by weekly reporting of nationally notifiable diseases,
and offer health education opportunities through lectures, trainings, and
publications.
Diseases should be reported to your local County Health Department.
The Bureau of Epidemiology conducts population-based surveys to determine the prevalence of chronic diseases and risk behaviors among adults, youth, and pregnant women, and designs and implements epidemiologic studies to investigate chronic diseases. Bureau statisticians analyze the data and make recommendations to assist in the formulation of public health policies and support prevention programs at state and local levels. The Chronic Disease Epidemiology Section also manages cancer case data in conjunction with the Florida Cancer Data System, and conducts several statewide surveys including the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, and the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System.
