Infectious Disease Services

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).