Disease Prevention

The epidemiology program works in partnership with our local health care community to monitor and control communicable disease in Pitkin County. This program conducts disease surveillance, case investigation, risk assessments, and uses other tools and methods to protect population health through outbreak prevention. We work closely with regional epidemiologists, the Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division of Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health care providers notify public health about certain diagnoses, known as reportable conditions. If you are diagnosed with one of these conditions, you may receive a call from an epidemiologist investigating the origin of your infection, which helps us then implement control measures as necessary, and prevent others from getting sick. For diseases with an environmental component, such as foodborne, waterborne, or vectorborne disease, we coordinate with our local Environmental Health Departments at Pitkin County or the City of Aspen. We are also responsible for monitoring disease activity in licensed child care facilities in collaboration with the Child Care Health Consultant. When a cluster of illness is reported, we provide guidance on control measures, and also conduct health inspections.