About the Epidemiology and Surveillance Program
We work behind the scenes everyday to protect the health of our City's residents and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as E. coli, hepatitis A, giardia, pertussis, and salmonellosis, to name a few. When a disease outbreak is suspected or reported, the Epidemiology Surveillance and Environmental teams investigate to determine the source of illness, to help control the spread of the disease, and to understand factors that lead to the outbreak so that future outbreaks may be prevented. We also monitor disease trends and patterns through the data we gather.
Reportable Diseases
In Colorado and in the United States, certain illnesses are, by law, reported to the health department. These diseases have public health consequences and are referred to public health officials for additional follow-up. Many of these diseases are spread by contaminated food, water, or person-to-person contact. Public health officials work daily to monitor the spread of illness within Denver and to prevent outbreaks from occurring.