Division of Disease Control & Health Protection

Vigilance and preparedness to prevent disease when we can,
control when we must!

Infectious diseases were the major killers of Floridians in the early 1900s. Influenza, pneumonia, tuberculosis, syphilis, and enteric diseases were among the top 10 causes of death in the first third of this century. Thanks to the implementation of core public health activities such as effective sanitation and immunization programs, today, only two infectious diseases are among the state’s top 10 causes of death—AIDS and influenza/pneumonia.

Although impressive successes have been achieved, the threat of renewed infectious disease outbreaks always exists. Constant vigilance is necessary to maintain a healthy Florida.  History shows that when prevention and control efforts are relaxed, the prevalence of infectious diseases resurges. Contemporary areas of concern include HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, vaccine-preventable diseases, pandemic influenza, and tuberculosis. Also, the wide availability of inexpensive antibiotics (leading to inappropriate use) and the ability of certain organisms to mutate are increasing the threat of diseases that are drug resistant or no longer treatable using routine drugs.

The Division of Disease Control & Health Protection, in collaboration with our sixty seven county health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our colleagues throughout the Department of Health is working hard to protect the health, safety, and wellness of all people in Florida.