Epidemiology is the study of how diseases and health conditions affect populations. It helps us understand the causes of health problems, identify patterns of illness and guide strategies for prevention. We monitor illness trends, investigate outbreaks and detect illness early to reduce disease spread and provide timely guidance to protect and support a healthier Tulsa County.
THD epidemiologists work to prevent the spread of diseases by identifying their causes and risk factors. Their efforts provide the foundation for developing public policy and regulations regarding disease prevention.
Health care providers and laboratories click here for information on how to report diseases. Diseases can be reported by contacting the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Infectious Disease Prevention and Response at 405-426-8710 or email adservice@health.ok.gov.
For questions about diseases or to speak with a Tulsa Health Department epidemiologist, please call 918-595-4399 during business days from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For afterhours, weekends and holidays, please leave a message and someone will return your call the next business day.
In collaboration with federal, state, and local health partners, we track illness, investigate cases, and monitor emerging infectious diseases affecting Tulsa County. This allows us to detect trends early and guide timely public health action.
When illness occurs, our epidemiology team works to answer critical questions such as:
This information helps determine the cause of illness and guides actions to stop further spread. We use evidence-based methods to prevent illness, protect high-risk settings and support partner organizations during outbreaks, seasonal surges and community-wide health events.
The Tulsa Health Department investigates and provides information on the many diseases and conditions affecting our population. Some of the diseases described below are frequently seen in the community. Others may occur sporadically or have never been seen but have the potential to occur. We monitors a wide range of infectious diseases, including but not limited to:
Diarrheal (Enteric) Illnesses
Respiratory Illnesses
Hepatitis
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Tick-Borne Illnesses
Rash Illnesses
Other Illnesses
For questions about infectious diseases, exposures, symptoms, reporting requirements, public health guidance or to speak with a Tulsa Health Department epidemiologist, please call 918-595-4399 during business days from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For afterhours, weekends and holidays, please leave a message and someone will return your call the next business day.
We provide prevention education, intervention strategies and practical recommendations that help residents stay healthy whether at home, school, work or in the community through various public events. Request THD at your next community event here.
THD regularly publishes blogs on emerging illnesses, local health trends and practical prevention tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe. We also publish two newsletters: an epidemiology focused newsletter on a quarterly basis and a maternal and child health focused newsletter on a bi-monthly basis.
We have 9 locations across Tulsa County that offer a variety of services to help you and your family stay healthy.
