The Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County (DOH-DeSoto) Disease Surveillance Branch works to protect and promote the health of all Floridians from infectious diseases through disease surveillance. This epidemiology-focused branch monitors disease trends and outbreaks in DeSoto County communities.
The DOH-DeSoto Disease Surveillance Branch is engaged in a wide array of activities, including:
- Surveillance and reporting of communicable diseases and conditions
- Investigation and interviewing of reportable disease cases
- Field investigation of disease, food, or waterborne illnesses and/or outbreaks
- Analysis and distribution of public health data
- Counseling and education on Hepatitis A, B, and C as well as other reportable conditions.
- Screening, surveillance, and management of lead poisoning cases
- Education and consultation to the public (physicians, hospitals, childcare centers, nursing homes, schools, and other community institutions)
- Consultation on rabies post-exposure treatment of animal bites (prophylaxis)
Disease Reporting Information
Health care and laboratory providers are required to report conditions of public health importance to the Florida Department of Heath.