Current Interest
Swine Flu
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is an illness caused by a type of influenza A virus that is a known cause of respiratory infections in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections have occurred infrequently. Swine flu viruses can spread from person-to-person, but in the past, have not spread readily among human populations.
Swine flu is a concern now because a new swine flu virus is spreading more widely between people than was seen in the past. In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. Although most cases of human swine flu infection have been mild, serious disease can occur.
Download our  "Swine Flu fact Sheet" 
Download "Swine Flu Brochure"
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The Epidemiology Program conducts mandated surveillance and reporting of more than 75 notifiable diseases and medical conditions. In addition, this program conducts disease investigations and institutes appropriate prophylaxis and interventions in many of those diseases as well as any cluster of illnesses in order to prevent secondary cases and outbreaks. Our program provides consultation and education on these diseases and works closely with County, City and State government agencies to enable appropriate public health follow-up for patients, contacts and medical care providers.
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health and illness in a population. It is a core public health science. Epidemiologists monitor health trends and statistics to identify groups of people who are affected by various diseases. In addition, epidemiologists investigate cases of disease to determine the source, modes of transmission, and risk factors for disease. This information is then used to implement control measures to prevent the spread of disease.
Case Investigation & Disease Surveillance
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The Epidemiology Program is responsible for investigating cases of reportable diseases and conditions in Fulton County. These diseases include enteric illnesses, vaccine-preventable diseases, invasive bacterial infections, zoonotic diseases, viral hepatitis, and other conditions. We receive reports from hospitals, doctors’ offices, laboratories, clinics, and facilities such as daycares, schools, and nursing homes. Investigations generally involve interviews with patients to identify the source of infection and providing education about disease transmission and prevention.
All Georgia physicians, laboratories, and other health care providers are required by law to report patients with conditions of public health concern listed on the Georgia Notifiable Disease/condition Report Form 3095. Please download this form by clicking on the button below, fill it out online and email it to us by clicking Submit by Email button. You must have and active email client installed on your computer such as Outlook, or GroupWise.
 Georgia Notifiable Disease/condition Report Form
Infectious diseases may be spread from person-to-person. When this happens, outbreaks can occur. The Epidemiology Program investigates outbreaks in various settings including schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, correctional institutions, and other community settings. Through the investigative process, data is collected to identify affected individuals, the source of infection, modes of disease transmission, and risk factors related to the outbreak. The data is then used to control and prevent further spread of illness.
Fulton County participates in the Sentinel Provider Influenza Surveillance Program to monitor influenza trends during flu season (October – May). A sample of providers within the county submits valuable data to identify populations at highest risk for infection as well as the types of influenza circulating the community.
Hepatitis Control & Outreach
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Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver. There are several types of viral hepatitis, and the Epidemiology Program is involved in several activities to help educate the community about the potential risks and methods to prevent infections. Some of these activities include:
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Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinacion for high risk groups
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Hepatitis , B, and C testing (Contact your nearest clinic for more information about
Hepatitis vaccination and testing.)
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Perinatal Hepatitis B intervention to prevent transmission to newborns
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Education and Awareness about viral Hepatitis
The Epidemiology Program is dedicated to building relationships with community partners to provide education and outreach. We deliver presentations to various agencies, organizations, and community groups on a variety of topics such as MRSA, avian influenza, food safety, vaccine-preventable diseases, hepatitis, and STD prevention. Also, look for us at health fairs and other major community events!
From the North: From I-75 and I-85 go south toward Atlanta. Take exit 248A for Martin Luther King Jr. Drive toward state Capitol. Stay in the right lane and turn right at Jesse Hill Jr. Drive. Go about 0.2 mile. Aldredge Health Center is at the corner of Jesse Hill Jr Drive and Gilmer Street, accross from Grady Memorial Hospital.
From The South: From I-75 and I-85 go north toward Atlanta. Take exit 248A for Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Turn left toward state Capitol. Stay in the right lane and turn right at Jesse Hill Jr. Drive. Go about 0.2 mile. Aldredge Health Center is at the corner of Jesse Hill Jr. Drive and Gilmer Street, across from the Grady Memorial Hospital.
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