epidemiology {ep´ï-de´me-ol´o-je} 1. the study of the relationships of the various factors determining the frequency and distribution of diseases in human communities. 2. the field of medicine concerned with the determination of the specific causes of localized outbreaks of infection, such as hepatitis, of toxic disorders, such as lead poisoning, or any other disease of recognized etiology. -- Dorland’s Medical Dictionary
Division of Disease Prevention
The mission of the Division of Disease Prevention is to provide leadership and support to local health departments, other medical providers and community-based organizations in the prevention, surveillance, and treatment of HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, and their complications. We are dedicated to the provision of education, information, and health care services that promote and protect the health of all Virginians.
Division of Environmental Epidemiology
Please note, on May 1, 2007, the Division of Public Health Toxicology and the Division of Zoonotic and Environmental Epidemiology merged to form the Division of Environmental Epidemiology.
The Division of Environmental Epidemiology's mission is to prevent and control human diseases and conditions due to exposure to chemical and biological agents in the environment and transmission from animals to humans. We accomplish this through developing and maintaining surveillance programs for environmental factors that may indicate a potential human health hazard, diseases and conditions that may be due to exposure to certain environmental factors, and diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans; investigating reported outbreaks of human diseases and unusual findings from surveillance programs; and communicating findings from surveillance programs and investigations.
Division of Immunization
The Division of Immunization has as its mission to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine preventable diseases.
Division of Radiological Health
The Radiological Health Program is responsible for protecting the public health and safety from unnecessary radiation from a diversity of sources that spans a wide spectrum of applications in the healing arts, research and educational institutions, and industry.
Division of Surveillance and Investigation
The Division of Surveillance and Investigation serves the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia by monitoring for the occurrence of reportable and emerging diseases or suspected outbreaks of illness (natural or otherwise), providing recommendations and guidance to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, and investigating outbreaks of disease and other public health emergencies.
Office of Epidemiology | Keri Hall, MD, MS, Director | 109 Governor Street, 6th Floor East | Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 864 - 8141 | Fax: (804) 864-8139