Epidemiology

To report by telephone:
(850) 227-1276 (24/7 availability)

The Epidemiology program investigates reports of disease and/or conditions of public health significance in the community. An outbreak occurs when two or more unrelated individuals have similar symptoms or the same disease diagnosis and can be linked through a shared location or time (For example: ate at the same restaurant within a few days of each other or attended the same conference).

Following a report, the Epidemiology staff conducts phone or face-to-face interviews with sick individuals to determine how and when they became ill and to determine if others have been exposed. When the investigation may involve a local facility such as a restaurant or school an inspection of the establishment may be warranted and is carried out by representatives of the Epidemiology program and Environmental Health.

The Epidemiology program also partners with community providers such as schools to keep Gulf County residents safe and in good health. If you need to report an outbreak of influenza–like illness (fever, cough and/or sore throat), gastrointestinal illness (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), rash illness or other syndrome in your facility, please call 850-227-1276. This will give DOH-Gulf the information needed to assist you in the outbreak.

The primary responsibilities of the Office of Epidemiology and Disease Intervention Services are to:

• Develop and maintain public health surveillance systems.
• Investigate and respond to reports of communicable diseases and conditions.
• Field investigations of cases and outbreak situations.
• Analyze and distribute public health data.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities.
• Conduct influenza surveillance and education.
• Conduct community outreach health education activities.