The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) Disease Surveillance office works to protect and promote the health of all Floridians from infectious diseases through disease surveillance. This epidemiology-focused branch monitors disease trends and outbreaks in Okaloosa County communities. It is required by law to report certain diseases to DOH-Okaloosa.
The disease surveillance team investigates these reportable disease cases and notifies the DOH Bureau of Epidemiology. Reporting these diseases allows the Disease Surveillance office to alert the community and to stop the potential spread of illness in a timely manner.
The DOH-Okaloosa Disease Surveillance office is engaged in a wide array of activities, including:
- Surveillance and reporting of communicable diseases and conditions
- Investigation and interviewing of reportable disease cases
- Field investigation of disease or food and waterborne illness outbreaks
- Analysis and distribution of public health data
- Counseling and education on Hepatitis A, B, and C
- Screening, surveillance, and management of lead poisoning cases
- Education and consultation to the public, physicians, hospitals, childcare centers, nursing homes, schools, and other community institutions
- Consultation on rabies prophylaxis
Disease Reporting Information
Health care and laboratory providers are required to report conditions of public health importance to the Florida Department of Heath.