Epidemiology

Services Provided 

The Epidemiology Program at the Florida Department of Health in Highlands County (DOH-Highlands) monitors and investigates certain diseases that can be passed from one person to the other (communicable diseases).  Florida law requires all healthcare providers, hospitals, and laboratories to report certain diseases to the health department. 

Epidemiology staff members take action to prevent infectious disease outbreaks in Highlands County.  In addition, they provide the following services:

• Monitoring and reporting of communicable diseases and conditions
• Field investigation of potential cases and outbreaks
• Lead poisoning prevention services, such as screening, surveillance, and case management
• Community outreach and health education activities
• Public Health Preparednss (in the event of disasters, disease outbreaks, or other events)

Local businesses, civic organizations, and other agencies may contact the Epidemiology Program to request information on the following topics:

• Bacterial and viral meningitis
• Childhood lead poisoning
• Hand washing
• MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureaus)
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Rabies
• Salmonella
• Seasonal flu and bird flu
• Shigella
• West Nile Virus
• Other communicable diseases

Please call 863-386-6040 for more information or to request assistance. 

Download the full list of Reportable Diseases and Conditions for Practitioners here.

Download the full list of Reportable Diseases and Conditions for Laboratories here.