Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in a population. Public health epidemiologists monitor the health and illness of a population, investigate the factors that affect the community's health, and recommend interventions to reduce the risk of disease. Epidemiology is practiced in health departments daily and involves principles of surveillance, investigation, laboratory testing, data management, and communication.

Epidemiological surveillance is the collection, analysis, and dissemination of health data for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health programs. The Epidemiology Department at Richmond City Health District collects information in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health's Division of Surveillance and Investigation (DSI) in order to determine disease impact, assess trends in disease occurrence, characterize affected populations, prioritize control efforts, and evaluates prevention strategies in Richmond City.

Office of Epidemiology
Home page for VDH’s Office of Epidemiology. It will connect you with the Divisions of Surveillance and Investigation, Disease Prevention, Environmental Epidemiology, Immunization, and Radiological Health.

Disease Regulation Information
Contains the complete regulations for disease reporting and control for Virginia. You will also find the reportable disease list, conditions reportable by laboratories, outbreak reporting requirements, and the reporting form (Epi-1).

VDH Reportable Disease List (PDF):

Reporting of the listed diseases is required by state law (Sections 32.1-36 and 32.1-37 of the Code of Virginia and 12 VAC 5-90-80 of the Board of Health Regulations for Disease Reporting and Control). Report all conditions when suspected or confirmed to your local health department (LHD).

Disease Fact Sheets
From head lice to whooping cough to West Nile Virus, this is the first stop for quick, reliable disease information.

Communicable Disease Reference Chart for School and Child Care Facility Personnel (PDF) (also available in Spanish: Tabla de Referencia de Enfermedades Infecciosas para el Personal de Escuelas y Guarderías-PDF)Direct link to the PDF. Make sure to review the footnotes at the bottom of this document. Last revised February 2023. More information can be found in the VDOE School Health Guidance and Resources page.

Nursing Facility Regulations from VDH ’s Office of Licensure and Certification
Read The Rules and Regulations for the Licensure of Nursing Facilities in Virginia.

VDSS Assisted Living Facility Regulations
Contains information on regulations, Code of Virginia, application process, guidelines, forms, training, and more.

EPA Registered Disinfectants
Contains listings of EPA registered antimicrobial products that are effective against HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Norovirus, MRSA, and more.

FDA Bad Bug Book
Provides basic facts regarding foodborne pathogens and natural toxins

CDC Health Alert Network
Provides recent and archived health alerts, advisories, updates, and informational messages regarding vital health information.

Epidemiology

Online Resources