Epidemiology and Infectious Disease

Program Overview

The Southeast Health District (SEHD) epidemiology and infectious disease response programs investigate and conduct surveillance for diseases and other health conditions that affect residents throughout the 16-county jurisdiction. By monitoring and responding to disease events like HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, vaccine-preventable diseases, outbreaks, and biological attacks, among others, appropriate interventions and control measures can be implemented to lessen the health effects on the community and improve the overall health status in the community.

Program activities include:

Conducting active, passive, and syndromic surveillance to detect and identify diseases and adverse health conditions
Investigating reports of acute diseases, unusual health conditions, and outbreaks
Recommend appropriate prevention, control, and/or treatment measures
Conduct data analyses and disseminate information from surveillance systems
Providing guidance for healthcare professionals, facilities, and other agencies and organizations regarding disease reporting, prevention, testing, and control
Respond to disease-related inquiries from residents, healthcare providers, and others

Disease Reporting

All Georgia physicians, laboratories, and other health care providers are required by law (OCGA 31-12-2) to report patients with the conditions listed under Notifiable Disease Reporting Requirements.

To report a disease or outbreak:

Online: State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (SENDSS)
Mail or fax completed Case Report Form in an envelope marked CONFIDENTIAL to:
Southeast Health District
Office of Infectious Disease
1115 Church Street – Suite C
Waycross, GA 31501
Fax: 912-338-5309
Phone: 912-285-6022
After hours: 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584)