Epidemiology and Infectious Disease

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Disease Surveillance and Protection

Epidemiology is the central science of public health. As such, epidemiology provides the scientific input that shapes public health policy, program directions, and activities. North Central Health District Epidemiology and Infectious Disease Programs conduct surveillance for the occurrence of diseases and other health conditions that affect NCHD residents. By determining the who, what, where, when, how, and why related to these diseases and health conditions, appropriate interventions and control measures can be implemented to lessen their health impact. When an outbreak occurs, immediate action may be needed to prevent or control a situation.

Program Overview

The Epidemiology and Infectious Disease Programs carry out a number of activities to identify diseases and describe health conditions, assess the health of NCHD residents, and develop recommendations to control diseases and improve the overall health status in the state. These include

Conduct active, passive, and syndromic surveillance to detect diseases and adverse health conditions,
Investigate reports of acute diseases and outbreaks,
Recommend appropriate prevention measures, treatment, and control,
Monitor and investigate reports of unusual health conditions,
Conduct data analyses and disseminate information from surveillance systems (Learn more about public health data),
Provide guidance for healthcare professionals, facilities, and other agencies and organizations regarding disease prevention and control,
Respond to disease-related inquiries from residents, healthcare providers, and others.

Disease Reporting

All Georgia physicians, laboratories, and other health care providers are required by law (OCGA 31-12-2) to report patients with the conditions listed under Notifiable Disease Reporting Requirements (Updated July 11, 2024). Both laboratory confirmed and clinical diagnoses are reportable within the specified time interval.

To report a disease or outbreak:

Online: State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System
Email: nchd.epi@dph.ga.gov
Phone: 478-751-6303
After hours: 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584)
Fax: 478-752-1710 or 478-751-6074
Mail: North Central Health District
201 Second Street
Macon, GA 31201
Suite 1100

Data Requests

The district epidemiology program processes all public health data requests in the order they are received, although preference will be given to internal programs and emergent issues. Please allow 2 weeks for processing. If you have any questions regarding your data request or about the process please email the District Epidemiologist. (NOTE: Not all data requests can be filled due to limitations on the data available)