Epidemiology

Here at Panhandle Health District, we conduct Epidemiological Surveillance, which is the ongoing systematic collection, recording, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data reflecting the current health status of a community or population.

What our EPIDEMIOLOGISTS do

Our team of epidemiologists function as disease detectives that investigate and keep track of the communicable disease cases in the five northern Idaho counties.

• Investigate cases of reportable diseases and conditions
• Enforce needed restrictions to prevent the spread of certain diseases
• Provide education to the public and health care providers
• Work with our Public Health Emergency Preparedness section to monitor and prepare for new and emerging diseases
• Issue Health Alert Messages to our community partners regarding urgent health matters
• Investigate outbreaks of foodborne, waterborne, and respiratory illnesses in our community
• Work with our local health care facilities by conducting syndrome surveillance to identify outbreaks and public health emergencies as fast as possible