Epidemiology/Disease Control

The Epidemiology Department conducts disease surveillance and investigates suspected occurrences of infectious diseases and conditions that are reported from physicians offices, hospitals and laboratories. We also investigate clusters (outbreaks) of illness to determine etiology (cause) and implement interventions to prevent the spread of disease.

Our staff ensures that action is taken to prevent infectious disease outbreaks from occurring in DeSoto County communities. Surveillance is primarily conducted through passive reporting from the medical community as required by Chapter 381, Florida Statutes.

We conduct syndromic and influenza-like surveillance activities. Syndromic surveillance was added to the disease reporting process as an active method of determining activities in the community that could be early indicators of outbreaks and bio-terrorism.

If you would like to report a reportable disease or outbreak during business hours, please call the Florida Department of Health in DeSoto County at 863-231-6528.

To report an urgent reportable disease or outbreak after-hours, please call 863-990-0745 or 863-990-0934.

For a list of Reportable Diseases and access to the report form, visit: FloridaHealth.gov

Resources

• Florida Department of Health, Disease Reporting and Management
• Florida CHARTS - Health statistics and community health data