Reportable Diseases
The DeSoto County Health Department strives to promote the health of
DeSoto County residents and visitors by working with community
partners to limit the spread of infectious diseases, such as
Salmonella, E-coli, Chickenpox, Rabies
and more. Disease Control and
Prevention Programs are responsible for investigating infectious
disease occurrences, tracking disease trends, providing screening
and treatment options, and developing outreach and educational
activities to increase awareness about disease prevention efforts.
The Disease Control and Prevention Programs we offer are:
What’s New
The #1 Way to Prevent Sickness is to WASH YOUR HANDS.
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Protect
Don’t Infect!
Watch Staph
Sergeant and his army of germs who are trying to take
over the world but are foiled by PDI agents. How can he
be defeated?
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Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance
 What is Epidemiology?
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants
of health and illness in a population. It is a core public
health science. Epidemiologists monitor health trends and
statistics to identify groups of people who are affected by
various diseases. In addition, epidemiologists investigate cases
of disease to determine the source, modes of transmission, and
risk factors for disease. This information is then used to
implement control measures to prevent the spread of disease.
Our Services:
- Case Investigation & Disease Surveillance
The Epidemiology Program is responsible for investigating cases
of reportable diseases and conditions in DeSoto County. These
diseases include enteric illnesses, vaccine-preventable
diseases, invasive bacterial infections, zoonotic diseases,
viral hepatitis, and other conditions. We receive reports from
hospitals, doctors’ offices, laboratories, clinics, and
facilities such as daycares, schools, and nursing homes.
Investigations generally involve interviews with patients to
identify the source of infection and providing education about
disease transmission and prevention. Cases are then reported to
the Florida Bureau of Epidemiology.
Complete List of Reportable Diseases in Florida (.PDF/71KB)
Florida Administrative Code - Reporting Communicable Diseases
(.PDF/144KB)
Florida Bureau of Epidemiology Website
- Outbreak Investigation
Infectious diseases may be spread from person-to-person. When
this happens, outbreaks can occur. The Epidemiology Program
investigates outbreaks in various settings including schools &
daycares, nursing homes, assisted living facilities,
correctional institutions, and other community settings. Through
the investigative process, we collect data to identify affected
individuals, the source of infection, modes of disease
transmission, and risk factors related to the outbreak. The data
is then used to control and prevent further spread of illness.
- Influenza Surveillance
DeSoto County participates in the Sentinel Provider Influenza
Surveillance Program to monitor influenza trends during flu
season (October – May). A sample of providers within the county
submits valuable data to identify populations at highest risk
for infection as well as the types of influenza circulating the
community.
Are you a provider who is interested in becoming a sentinel
influenza surveillance provider? To learn about the benefits of
being a sentinel provider, contact us at 863-993-4601
Florida Influenza Surveillance Reports
- Rabies Prevention Program
Rabies is a neurological disease that can be transmitted from
animals to humans. The Epidemiology Program and
Environmental
Health work closely with DeSoto County Animal Control to
investigate animal exposures that may result in rabies
infection. If prophylactic treatment is recommended, shots can
be administered through the DeSoto County Health Department
Clinic.
- Community Education
The Epidemiology Program is dedicated to building relationships
with community partners to provide education and outreach
services. Proper hand washing demonstrations and presentations
on a variety of topics such as MRSA, influenza,
vaccine-preventable diseases, hepatitis and STD prevention are
available to various agencies, organizations and community
groups by calling (863) 993-4601 ext. 106. Be sure to check out
our
calendar for upcoming health fairs and community events!
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