Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in a population. Public health epidemiologists monitor the health and illness of a population, investigate the factors that affect the community's health, and recommend interventions to reduce the risk of disease. Epidemiology is practiced in health departments daily and involves principles of surveillance, investigation, laboratory testing, data management and communication.
In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Surveillance and Investigation (DSI), we provide surveillance, investigation, and follow up of communicable diseases that are reportable by medical providers and laboratories. Read more information on disease reporting and control regulations.
District Epidemiology Phone: 804-717-6440
Communicable Disease Fax Line: 804-706-2016
District Epidemiology Email: chesterfield_epi@vdh.virginia.gov
Emergency After-Hours Call Number: (866)-531-3068
Disease outbreaks should be reported to the local health department. Read more information on reporting requirements.
Use the links below to report a suspected outbreak at your facility. Don't see your facility listed? Call (804) 717-6440 or email chesterfield_epi@vdh.virginia.gov.
Online Resources
Office of Epidemiology
Home page for VDH’s Office of Epidemiology. It will connect you with the Divisions of Surveillance and Investigation, Disease Prevention, Environmental Epidemiology, Immunization and Radiological Health.
Disease Regulation Information
Contains the complete regulations for disease reporting and control for Virginia. You will also find the reportable disease list, conditions reportable by laboratories, outbreak reporting requirements and the reporting form (Epi-1).
Disease Fact Sheets
Contains all of VDH's disease fact sheets. From head lice to whooping cough to West Nile Virus, this is the first stop for quick, reliable disease information. Fact sheets are also available here in Spanish.
Communicable Disease Chart for Schools and Child Care
Direct link to the PDF. Make sure to review the footnotes at the bottom of this document.
Nursing Facility Regulations
Contains a line list of guidelines from VDH’s Office of Licensure and Certification. Read the Rules and Regulations for the Licensure of Nursing Facilities in Virginia.
VDSS Assisted Living Facility Regulations
Contains information on regulations, Code of Virginia, application process, guidelines, forms, training and more.
CDC Core Infection Prevention and Control Practices
Describes core set of infection prevention and control practices that are required in all healthcare settings.
EPA Registered Disinfectants
Contains listings of EPA registered antimicrobial products that are effective against HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Norovirus, MRSA and more.
FDA Bad Bug Book
Provides basic facts regarding foodborne pathogens and natural toxins
CDC Health Alert Network
Provides recent and archived health alerts, advisories, updates and informational messages regarding vital health information.