Epidemiology
What is the role of epidemiology in public health?
Epidemiology identifies the distribution of diseases, factors underlying their source and cause, and methods for their control; this requires an understanding of how political, social and scientific factors intersect to exacerbate disease risk, which makes epidemiology a unique science.
Disease Surveillance and Tracking
The Bullitt County Health Department (BCHD) investigates cases of communicable diseases such as respiratory viruses food-borne illness, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections, per 902 KAR 2:020.
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BCHD communicates this information to the Kentucky Department for Public Health who later sends information to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We also disseminate information to surveillance sites, and community partners, facilitating collaborative efforts to monitor the health status of Bullitt County. This data also aids public and private health officials in educating patients and clients, planning staff training on timely disease topics, and preparing for and responding to disease outbreaks.
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Health professionals that are reporting diseases to the Bullitt County Health Department as required by state law can find the appropriate and required forms listed in the link below. Upon completion, please fax the forms to (502) 543-2998. If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance in reporting please contact our office at (502) 955-7837.