Infectious Disease

Epidemiology/Infectious Disease Unit

The Epidemiology unit follows up on reports of certain diseases and other health conditions to identify possible outbreaks and prevent further spread of disease. When a communicable disease outbreak occurs, immediate action may be needed to prevent or control a situation. By determining the who, what, when, where, how, and why of infectious diseases and health conditions, the Epidemiology team can help provide appropriate measures to lessen the impact on community health.   

Some of the diseases most frequently investigated include:  

• Food-related and water-related illnesses like salmonella and E.coli  
• Vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and chickenpox  
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis  
• Other notifiable diseases including COVID-19, mpox, and HIV  

The Epidemiology unit also manages the District tuberculosis (TB) program, which provides care for persons with active TB, those who have been exposed to TB, and persons with latent TB infection (LTBI). 

Community education is another large portion of the Epidemiology unit’s function, and they provide training in communicable diseases prevention and control to other health care professionals, teachers, and the general public.