District 4’s Epidemiology program is responsible for the surveillance and timely reporting of infectious diseases. For patients, this ensures cases receive the appropriate health care follow-up, and for the greater community, it helps identify outbreaks, provide a better understanding of disease trends and shape public health policy.
Physicians, Laboratories, and Health Care Providers
Report an infectious disease through one of the following methods:
- Online at SendSS (State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System)
- Complete the Georgia Notifiable Disease/Condition Report Form and submit to District 4 Public Health:
- By fax to 514.2313 (HIPAA secure line) or to 706.890.2312 (District 4 Epidemiology line)
- Call the 24/7 Emergency Line at 1.866.PUB.HLTH (782.4584)
Types of Infectious Diseases
District 4 Epidemiologists and Disease Case Investigators may call you to investigate several types of infectious diseases, such as:
- Current Outbreaks
- Enteric/Foodborne Illnesses
- Invasive Bacterial Diseases
- Respiratory Diseases
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Vaccine Preventable Diseases
- Viral Hepatitis
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B Perinatal
- Hepatitis C
- Vector-Borne Infestations
In addition, District 4’s Epidemiology program have established three coalitions to better serve the community:
- School Coalition
- Long-Term Care Facilities Coalition
- Opioids Coalition
School Coalition
The purpose of the school coalition is to expand and strengthen epidemiological principles in schools across the state through outreach, network development and education.
District 4 Public Health’s Epidemiology team educate communities on preventive measures, including:
- Vaccinations
- Healthy lifestyle
- Early detection screenings
The groups represented in this coalition are community partners, health professionals and local stakeholders. District 4 Public Health assist the various groups we represent by providing resources, hosting informative community events/workshops, identifying public health needs, holding infectious disease meetings, creating newsletters, and providing quarterly reports on disease outbreaks. Uniting these various groups will create a powerful alliance that diversify perspectives to address complex issues.
Point of contact:
- Nala Richards Nala.richards@dph.ga.gov
Long-term Care Facilities Coalition
The long-term care facilities coalition aims to expand and strengthen epidemiological principles in District long-term care facilities through outreach, network development, and education.
District 4 Public Health’s Epidemiology team provide guidance to staff, residents, and communities on preventive measures like vaccinations, healthy lifestyles, and early detection screenings and seasonal disease preparation to reduce disease incidence and promote overall wellness.
The groups represented in the long-term carecoalition are community partners, health professionals and local stakeholders. District 4 Public Health assist the various groups we represent by providing resources, hosting informative community events/workshops, identifying public health needs, holding infectious disease meetings, creating newsletters, and providing quarterly reports on disease outbreaks. Uniting these various groups will create a powerful alliance that diversify perspectives to address complex issues.
Point of contact:
- Elim Oluwole Elim.oluwole@dph.ga.gov
Opioid Coalition
This coalition bring together youth, adults, schools, law enforcement, EMS, hospitals, and other community partners by fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. By building stronger relationships, we aim to facilitate and provide educational opportunities and actionable steps in addressing the opioid crisis.
The Epidemiology Team envisions this coalition will bring awareness, provide support and helpful resources and improve actionable measures for all community members across the District. This will include community-based educations (i.e. workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns) on current trends, and harm reduction promotion that involves naloxone awareness from overdose response.
Point of contacts:
- LeTasha Powers LeTasha.powers@dph.ga.gov
- Nala Richards Nala.richards@dph.ga.gov
Get in Touch with Our Epidemiology Experts
Get in touch with us! We’re here to help answer your questions and provide assistance. Please fill out the form below and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
For more reporting information, visit these links: