Collier County Communicable Disease Surveillance in 2007

Epidemiology is the science of the distribution and determinants of disease occurrence in populations. In order to carry out its mission, epidemiology relies on various statistical tools such as rates and proportions to measure progress towards disease prevention and elimination within the community  and to uncover any unexpected increase of illness which may pose an increased risk to the public health.

The Collier County Health Department monitors the health of the population while preventing epidemics and the subsequent spread of disease. As part of its core functions of public health they also investigate reportable health problems, conditions and hazards throughout the community.

During 2007, a total of 1,824 reportable diseases and conditions were reported to the Collier County Health Department.

This continued prevalence is due to: 1) population growth and 2) the increased public awareness of health conditions and diseases. The total number of inquiries, consultations and investigations of non-reportable diseases was 4,468. Much of these services delivered can be attributed to an increased public awareness of health conditions and emerging diseases.

This trend is expected to increase locally and nationally. The ten leading reportable diseases and conditions in Collier County in 2007 were, by rank order: Chlamydia, Hepatitis C (chronic), Gonorrhea, Salmonellosis, Campylobacteriosis, Syphilis, Varicella, Hepatitis B (chronic), HIV and Animal Bites (PEP recommended).

These 10 causes accounted for 88% of all events reported to the Epidemiology and Health Assessment Program during the year. The accompanying table shows the number of diseases reported in Collier County with rates Per 100,000 population for 2007.

The Epidemiology and Health Assessment Program is meeting the challenges of the rapidly growing population of Collier County by continuously monitoring and evaluating the health situation of the community and preventing the spread of disease.

A report detailing the number of confirmed diseases or conditions for 2007 is now available.