Epidemiology - Public Health Region 8
E-mail: Region8.Epi@dshs.texas.gov
Fax: 512-206-3995
Note: PHI must be sent via fax or secure, encrypted e-mail
24/7 Public Health Emergency and Disease Reporting Line: 210-949-2121
Epidemiology Manager
Elise Rush, MPH, CIC
210-949-2095
Elise.Rush@dshs.texas.gov
Purpose
The mission of the Epidemiology Program is to protect healthy communities by reducing the burden of illness, hospitalization, and death from diseases that are spread person-to-person. The Epidemiology Program works with local health departments, health care professionals, hospitals, schools, residential and correctional facilities, county officials, emergency management personnel, employers, and the general public.
Activities
- Receive and respond to disease reports
- Provide subject matter expertise to prevent the spread of disease, including:
- Laboratory testing recommendations for communicable diseases
- Prophylactic treatment guidance for individuals exposed to communicable diseases
- School/work exclusion criteria for ill individuals
- Isolation and quarantine guidance for ill individuals
- Monitor trends of communicable diseases occurring in the community
- Prepare for public health emergencies, such as an act of bioterrorism or a worldwide outbreak (pandemic) of disease
- Safeguard communities from unhealthy conditions following a flood, tornado, or other disaster
Surveillance & Data
Reporting Forms
- Infectious Disease Report Form
- Contaminated Sharps Injury Reporting Form
- Varicella Investigation Form
Resources