Surveillance Epidemiology

The Epidemiology Program of the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County is dedicated to protecting and improving public health. Here's what we do:

• Investigate and Prevent Communicable Diseases: We identify sources of infectious agents, determine transmission methods, assess exposure risk, and implement prompt interventions to halt disease spread.
• Provide Education and Consultation: We offer training and resources on infectious diseases for healthcare professionals and community groups.
• Prepare for Biological Threats: Through comprehensive education and training, we equip our community to address potential threats from biological weapons of mass destruction.
• Study Emerging Infectious Agents: We assist in research to evaluate health risks linked to newly identified pathogens.
• Report Communicable Diseases: Detailed reports are submitted to the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Epidemiology.

Access to Public Health Data

Stay informed with current and historical data on reportable disease cases:

• Statewide and Local Statistics: Access detailed information on diseases in Florida and Osceola County through Florida Charts.

Disease Reporting

To report a communicable disease or outbreak:

1. Complete the Report of Communicable Disease Form.
   
   • Practitioner List of Reportable Diseases
   • Laboratory List of Reportable Diseases
2. Contact the Epidemiology Department 24/7 at 407-343-2155.
3. Securely fax reports to 407-343-2145.

Additional resources:

• Practitioner Reporting Guidelines
• Laboratory Reporting Guidelines
• Disease Reporting Information

Health Focus Areas

• Report illnesses online 24/7.
• Submit concerns about unsafe or unsanitary conditions.

• Explore surveillance data on animal rabies cases in Florida.
• Osceola County Animal Services Division.

• Stay updated with mosquito-borne disease surveillance reports.
• Osceola County Mosquito Control Program.
• Gain insights into tick-borne diseases in Florida.

Influenza affects between 15%–40% of the population annually, with thousands of fatalities and hospitalizations nationwide.

• The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County actively monitors influenza-like illnesses during flu season.
• View the latest flu trends in the Florida Flu Review.

• Diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and others are preventable with vaccines.
• For more information, visit our Vaccine-Preventable Diseases resource.

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)