Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of the patterns and distribution of health and illness in a population and the determination of the factors that influence population health. DOH-Manatee’s Office of Epidemiology represents the Department’s coordinated effort to control communicable diseases and preventable diseases.

Epidemiology’s responsibilities

• Develop and maintain public health surveillance systems
• Investigate reports of communicable diseases (enteric, invasive bacterial, and vector-borne diseases)
• Monitor and track outbreaks
• Analyze and distribute public health data
• Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities
• Conduct community education outreach
• Provide interventions for those at risk
• Conduct influenza surveillance and education
• Provide education and counseling for pregnant women with hepatitis B

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Disease Outbreak Information Packet

Outbreaks of any disease, in any setting (such as a school, day care, or assisted living facility), are reportable upon suspicion to the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. An outbreak is defined as two or more cases of a similar illness among individuals with a common exposure.

DOH–Manatee’s Outbreak Information Packet provides guidance on the most common types of outbreaks, and how best to address them in group settings. This resource includes:

• Information on gastrointestinal, respiratory, and rash illness outbreaks
• Control measures to stop the spread of an outbreak
• Guidance on specimen collection
• Line list templates to assist in monitoring the outbreak 

For questions on outbreaks, or to report a suspected outbreak, please call DOH-Manatee at 941-748-0747, option 4.

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Reporting Cases of Communicable Diseases

To report a disease or condition in the list of reportable diseases/conditions, please contact us.

• Business Hours: 941-748-0747, option 4
• After-Hours: 941-748-0747 
• Confidential Fax: 941-714-7164