CDE provides a secure and confidential statewide disease surveillance system for the 12,000,000 citizens of Pennsylvania. This computer surveillance system compares incidence and prevalence rates for 48 diseases, and identifies risk factors. Disease trends are determined and then appropriate intervention strategies are carried out. Intervention strategies include education, immunization, quarantine, and treatment.
Staff provides consultative services to health-care providers, reporters, and citizens upon request.
Staff members conduct epidemiologic research in order to identify the cause of specific communicable disease problems.