The role of epidemiology is to prepare for and rapidly respond to the deliberate release of, or natural exposure to harmful viruses, bacteria and other germs (agents). This is accomplished by routinely detecting, assessing, and controlling the spread of unwanted pathogens. The Chesapeake Health department, its neighboring health districts and the state health department use disease and syndrome surveillance, disease investigation and disease trend analysis to rapidly identify threats to public health. Chesapeake citizens also have a role in public health epidemiology by recognizing and reporting potential hazards to the health department. You can contact the communicable disease program to report a potential public health hazard by calling (757) 382-8681 and/or the main number at (757) 382-8600
Below is a list of websites to enhance your knowledge of public health epidemiology, communicable diseases and biological and chemical agents.Virginia and Chesapeake Resources
Virginia Dept of Health- http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/
Surveillance and Investigation Strategic Plan - http://vdhweb.vdh.virginia.gov/Admin/pdf/StrategicPlan/DiseaseInvestigation.pdf
Disease Fact Sheets- http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epi/epifacts.asp
Disease Surveillance Data- http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epi/survdata.asp
Seasonal Influenza Activity- http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epi/flu.asp
Pandemic Influenza Information-http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/PandemicFlu/index.asp
Terrorism Agents, Diseases and Threats-http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/EPR/Agents.asp
Epidemiology Bulletin- http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epi/bulletin.asp
Zoonotic and Environmental Epidemiology-http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epi/dzee/index.asp
Environmental Health-http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ProtectingYourEnvironment.asp
National and International Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- http://www.cdc.gov/
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/list.html
World Health Organization (WHO) –http://www.who.int/en/
Avian Influenza (WHO) - http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/
Pandemic Flu (CDC) -http://www.pandemicflu.gov/