Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance

What is Epidemiology?

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health and illness in a population.  It is a core public health science.  Epidemiologists monitor health trends and statistics to identify groups of people who are affected by various diseases.  In addition, epidemiologists investigate cases of disease to determine the source, modes of transmission, and risk factors for disease.  This information is then used to implement control measures to prevent the spread of disease.

What’s New?

•  Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Our Services

• Case Investigation & Disease Surveillance

The Epidemiology Program is responsible for investigating cases of reportable diseases and conditions in Charlotte County.  These diseases include enteric illnesses, vaccine-preventable diseases, invasive bacterial infections, zoonotic diseases, viral hepatitis, and other conditions.   We receive reports from hospitals, doctors’ offices, laboratories, clinics, and facilities such as daycares, schools, and nursing homes.  Investigations generally involve interviews with patients to identify the source of infection and providing education about disease transmission and prevention.  Cases are then reported to the Florida Bureau of Epidemiology.

Complete List of Reportable Diseases in Florida (.PDF/1.8MB)

Florida Administrative Code - Reporting Communicable Diseases (.PDF/144KB)

Florida Bureau of Epidemiology Website

Need to Report a Notifiable Disease?   Call 941-639-1181 extension 2231, 2227, or 2255.

• Outbreak Investigation

Infectious diseases may be spread from person-to-person.  When this happens, outbreaks can occur.  The Epidemiology Program investigates outbreaks in various settings including schools & daycares, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, correctional institutions, and other community settings.  Through the investigative process, we collect data to identify affected individuals, the source of infection, modes of disease transmission, and risk factors related to the outbreak.  The data is then used to control and prevent further spread of illness.

• Influenza Surveillance

Charlotte County participates in the Sentinel Provider Influenza Surveillance Program to monitor influenza trends during flu season (October – May).  A sample of providers within the county submits valuable data to identify populations at highest risk for infection as well as the types of influenza circulating the community.

Are you a provider who is interested in becoming a sentinel influenza surveillance provider?  To learn about the benefits of being a sentinel provider, contact us at

941-639-1181 extension 2227

Florida Influenza Surveillance Reports

• Hepatitis Control and Outreach

Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver.  There are several types of viral hepatitis, and the Epidemiology Program is involved in several activities to help educate the community about the potential risks and methods to prevent infections.  Some of these activities include:

• Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B vaccination for high-risk groups

• Hepatitis A, B, & C testing (Contact your nearest clinic for more information about Hepatitis vaccination and testing.)

• Perinatal Hepatitis B Intervention to prevent transmission to newborns

• Hepatitis C treatment for Hope Clinic eligible patients.  (For information regarding the Hope Clinic, call 639-1181 ext. 2244.)

• Education & Awareness about viral Hepatitis

General Hepatitis Information

• Rabies Prevention Program

Rabies is a neurological disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.  The Epidemiology Program works closely with Charlotte County Animal Control to investigate animal exposures that may result in rabies infection.  If prophylactic treatment is recommended, shots can be administered through the Charlotte County Health Department Clinic.

      What you should know about rabies (.PDF/1.39MB)

      Tips on dog bite prevention (.PDF/28KB)

      Teach your children about dog bite prevention

      To report an animal bite, contact Charlotte County Animal Control at (941) 764-4320.

• Body Piercing Inspections

The Epidemiology Program partners with Environmental Health to conduct joint inspections of body piercing establishments.  These annual inspections are required by state statutes to ensure that such establishments are in compliance with state regulations.  Epidemiology staff members participate in inspections to ensure proper measures for sanitation, sterilization, and safety are maintained. 

• Community Education

The Epidemiology Program is dedicated to building relationships with community partners to provide education and outreach.  We deliver a quarterly newsletter and presentations to various agencies, organizations, and community groups on a variety of topics such as MRSA, avian influenza, food safety, vaccine-preventable diseases, hepatitis, and STD prevention.  Also keep and eye out for us at health fairs and other major community events!