Epidemiology is the core science of public health. It is the study of diseases or other health events that answers the questions:
- Who gets the disease?
- When or how often does it occur?
- Which geographic areas are most affected?
- Why is the disease occurring?

LFHD Epidemiologists and Communicable Disease Investigators serve our residents by:
- Monitoring for the occurrence of reportable and emerging diseases or suspected outbreaks of illness;
- Providing recommendations and guidance to prevent the spread of communicable diseases;
- Investigating outbreaks of disease; and
- Responding to public health emergencies.
Contact Information
Clarissa Bonnefond, MPH (she/her)
Lord Fairfax Health District Epidemiologist
clarissa.bonnefond@vdh.virginia.gov
Office: (540) 722 - 3470
Stephanie Neal, MPH
Lord Fairfax Health District Junior Epidemiologist
stephanie.neal@vdh.virginia.gov
Office: (540) 459 - 3733
Last Updated: April 22, 2025