What is Epidemiology?
Epidemiology is an important branch of public health that focuses on the spread of disease and illness. By analyzing key factors that contribute to illness such as diet, environment, and potential exposures. The field of epidemiology is crucial for public health as it shapes policy decisions and evidence-based practices by identifying risk factors and targets for preventive healthcare.
How do we help the public?
The ultimate goal of epidemiology is to prevent and control diseases. By understanding the causes and patterns of diseases, epidemiologists can recommend interventions to improve public health. These interventions come in the form of surveillance, contact tracing, finding exposures, and giving guidelines and information on isolation and quarantining.
- CDC Current Outbreak List
- CDC Traveler’s Health
- Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
- Flu Reporting Form
- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: Communicable Diseases
- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Health Alerts and Advisories
- STD Testing
- TB Information