Office of Epidemiology

The Office of Epidemiology works to protect the health of all Virginians by controlling communicable disease. One way of preventing disease is through immunizations like annual flu shots.

Epidemiology is a key component of preventing disease transmission. The Office of Epidemiology works to protect the health of all Virginians by controlling communicable disease and environmental health hazards. The office comprises six divisions including Disease Prevention, Immunization, Public Health Toxicology, Radiological Health, Surveillance and Investigation and Zoonotic and Environ-mental Epidemiology.

Epidemiology uses surveillance and investigation to assess health and illness in order to prevent disease. Specifically, epidemiology staff study disease patterns and populations to gain a better understanding of the risk factors for disease. This knowledge is used to provide community-level interventions to prevent the spread of disease.

Epidemiology’s primary function is service. Staff respond to health events and outbreaks, in order to assist local health departments with meeting the needs of the public.

This year, the Division of Disease Prevention supported the Suffolk Health Department in addressing an increase in syphilis infections in Suffolk. The division deployed its Virginia Emergency Response Team to assist the local health department with conducting community syphilis screenings and partner notification. The team also was responsible for heightening awareness and education in the local community about the risk factors for syphilis. This resource enabled the Suffolk Health Department to monitor infections, counsel clients on testing and treatment services and strengthen community involvement and partnerships. Additionally, the division hosted a community forum to devise ways of educating citizens and health care providers about the increase in syphilis infections in Suffolk. The division helped establish a Suffolk task force designed to bring community members together to increase syphilis awareness and address the overall health care needs of the community.

In September 2005, the Division of Surveillance and Investigation was notified that routine air sampling testing sites near the National Mall in Washington, D.C. showed an indication of bacteria that can cause tularemia, a potentially serious illness. Epidemiology staff worked closely with the National Capitol Region, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Virginia Office of Commonwealth Preparedness, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and other state agencies on the investigation. Several cases of suspected illnesses were reported, including five in Virginia residents. All of these cases were investigated by public health epidemiologists in concert with the primary care physicians caring for the individuals. Clinical testing did not confirm tularemia.

Simply put, without The Office of Epidemiology there would be a lack of accurate documentation and measurement of disease. There would also be more uncontrolled outbreaks of illness in Virginia. The Office of Epidemiology anticipates and responds to new and different situations and issues each year. Staff think quickly and adapt to address public health needs.