Prevention and Epidemiology
Prevention and Epidemiology investigates Notifiable Diseases and Conditions to prevent and reduce the spread of illness. Surveillance of reportable diseases permits the division to take prompt preventive measures.
The primary responsibilities of this division are:
- Investigate cases of notifiable diseases/conditions
- Investigate outbreaks of any kind
- Investigate emerging infectious diseases
- Collaborate with the local medical community
- Collaborate with Alabama Department of Public Health
Outbreaks of any kind are reportable within 24 hours
This includes schools, daycares, long term care facilities, foodborne illnesses, etc...
Outbreak is defined as:
Two or more similarly ill people from separate households with a common exposure.
Fast Facts for Common Illnesses & Exclusion Criteria