northwest health district alert:

Body Art Exam Registration Form Read More

Infectious Diseases

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Epidemiology is the central science of public health.  The Northwest Georgia Epidemiology Section conducts surveillance for the occurrence of diseases and other health conditions that affect the residents of Northwest Georgia. This includes the following counties: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk, and Walker. 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.  In the case of chronic diseases or injuries, more sustained activities may be required to prevent their occurrence or reduce their severity.

The Northwest Georgia Epidemiology Section carries out a number of activities to identify diseases and describe health conditions, assess health, and develop recommendations to control diseases and improve the overall health status in our area.  These include:

  • Conduct active and passive 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,
  • 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

The Northwest Georgia Epidemiology Section conducts activities in the following areas:

Disease reporting is the foundation of public health surveillance. Surveillance relies on notifiable disease reporting, the reporting of cases of specific diseases required by Georgia law.  Reporting of many diseases is done through our web-based electronic disease reporting system, SendSS (State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System).  Some reports are obtained directly from laboratories that perform testing, other reports are submitted by healthcare providers, or obtained by public health staff.

To report a public health notifiable disease emergency after regular business hours, please call (706) 295-6656 or 1-866-PUB-HLTH. You will then be given voice instructions on how to contact staff of the GA Notifiable Disease Hotline.

For routine reporting during normal business hours, please call 706-295-6656 or fax the information to 706-802-5342.

Additional Resources:

Georgia Emerging Infections Program

CDC – Office of Infectious Diseases

Georgia Department of Public Health Epidemiology