Epidemiology

Our Responsibility

The epidemiology department at Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District is responsible for receiving and investigating communicable disease reports within the City of Abilene and Taylor County. In addition, the epidemiology department is involved in tracking and responding to potential communicable disease outbreaks. Our activities also include:

  • Analyzing and disseminating communicable disease information
  • Identifying disease trends
  • Providing analytical support during program planning and evaluation within the health department and community
  • Providing education and guidance to community partners
  1. Disease Reporting

Disease Reporting

You may confidentially report diseases by phone or fax at the following:

  • After-Hours: (325) 514-0106 
  • Confidential Fax: (325) 676-6358
  • Phone: (325) 437-5600

Please include supporting lab results when faxing reports. Please note that your office may be contacted for additional information.

Disease Surveillance

Efficient disease surveillance helps:

  • Determine the extent of morbidity within the community
  • Identify and evaluate risk factors
  • Promptly detect potential outbreaks
  • Protect the health of the public

What can be reported?

Please view this list of notifiable conditions reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services. There are diseases that are to be reported immediately, within one working day or within one week. All conditions/diseases need to be reported in compliance with the given time frame. Outbreaks, rare occurrences such as exotic diseases or an unusual number of diseases should also be reported, even if it is not a notifiable condition. 

Who should report diseases or conditions?

Texas laws mandate that the following are responsible for disease reporting:

  • Any professional having knowledge of a suspected reportable condition
  • Hospitals and hospital laboratories
  • Physicians, dentists, veterinarians, chiropractors
  • School authorities, including a superintendent, principal, teacher, school health official or counselor

Please note not all laboratories report directly to the health department. Health professionals are responsible for reporting cases regardless of whether it may be reported by another agency.

Why report diseases or conditions?

Several Texas laws require that certain conditions (suspected, probable or confirmed) be reported to the state or local health department. View the following resources: