Epidemiology

What is the role of epidemiology in public health?

Epidemiology identifies the distribution of diseases, factors underlying their source and cause, and methods for their control; this requires an understanding of how political, social and scientific factors intersect to exacerbate disease risk, which makes epidemiology a unique science.

*** UPDATED FOR COVID-19 ***

COVID-19 is a reportable disease and must be reported to the Kentucky Department for Public Health within 24 hours after you receive the lab report.

The Bullitt County Health Department (BCHD) daily investigates cases of communicable diseases such as influenza, food-borne illness, pertussis, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections, per 902 KAR 2:020.

BCHD communicates this information to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, surveillance sites, and community partners, facilitating collaborative efforts to monitor the health status of Bullitt County. This data also aids public and private health officials in educating patients and clients, planning staff training on timely disease topics, and preparing for and responding to disease outbreaks.

Health professionals that are reporting diseases to the Bullitt County Health Department can find the appropriate and required forms listed in the link below. Upon completion please fax the forms to (502) 543-2998. If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance in reporting please contact our office at (502) 955-7837.

Table of Reportable Diseases in Kentucky

Disease Surveillance and Tracking

Physicians and hospitals report communicable diseases, as required by state law, to the Health Department. The health department's epidemiology team handles the surveillance and tracking of these communicable diseases. The team then investigates the cases and reports back to the State Health department, who sends information gathered to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

FOR PROVIDERS ONLY

  • Kentucky Reportable Disease Form (EPID 200)
  • Human Infection with 2019 Novel Coronavirus Case Report Form