Epidemiology and Surveillance

Epidemiology is the study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why. Epidemiological information is used to plan and evaluate strategies to prevent illness and as a guide to manage the spread of disease. Surveillance is an important part of epidemiology. Surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data.

Good epidemiology and surveillance are critical to public health preparedness. It is through these activities that we will first identify, track and control communicable diseases and other public health threats. Currently, the Health Services Department, Public Health Division and the Environmental Management Department are the two El Dorado County agencies that receive reports of notifiable health conditions.

Communicable Disease Nurses and the Public Health Epidemiologist follow-up with reporting sources when necessary to clarify reports, gain required information, or provide guidance for future reporting events. They are instrumental in ensuring that any communicable disease is tracked and contained.

In some cases, there may be recommendations to treat, quarantine or isolate individuals to protect the public’s health. The Health Officer provides the final authority when such measures are taken. The Health Officer and other senior public health officials meet periodically with members of the health community to strengthen relationships and provide educational material intended to improve disease reporting.

Click here for more information about Epidemiology.

Click here for more information about Surveillance.

Bioterrorism Planning | Laboratory Capacity | Communications and Information Technology | Risk Communication and Health Information | Education and Training