Epidemiologists are like real-life detectives, but instead of tracking criminals, they’re tracking viruses, bacteria and other sneaky germs. While everyone saw them in action during COVID-19, these “disease detectives” have been quietly solving health mysteries long before—and not just in labs! From teaching preschoolers about hand-washing to tracing mpox cases through public health networks, their job takes them everywhere. And fun fact: the father of epidemiology, John Snow, isn’t the one from Game of Thrones—but he did stop a cholera outbreak with data and a water pump!
You may know epidemiologists—or “epis”—from their critical work during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they became household names through their presence on TV, social media, radio, and beyond. Yet, long before COVID-19, these “disease detectives” were working behind the scenes, conducting case investigations, analyzing disease patterns, and helping communities prevent outbreaks. Some of the field’s pioneers, like John Snow, Louis Pasteur, Joseph Lister, and Robert Koch, set the stage for modern-day epidemiology through their groundbreaking work in cholera prevention, pasteurization, antiseptics and anthrax.
Today, our epidemiologists at the Tulsa Health Department (THD) continue to investigate and track infectious diseases in Oklahoma, conducting outreach to educate and protect the public. In 2020, they were on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, handling case investigations and contact tracing to reduce the spread. More recently, they played a crucial role in the 2022 global mpox outbreak response, where they helped to identify cases, educate communities and provide guidance on the necessary two-dose mpox vaccination. As mpox virus variants emerge and public health situations evolve, our team remains vigilant, tracking trends and preparing to respond effectively.
Outside of outbreak responses, our epidemiologists stay engaged year-round, leading community education events, visiting schools and hosting media briefings to ensure the community is informed about current health risks. From hand hygiene for preschoolers to infectious disease updates for seniors, our epidemiologists are dedicated to protecting public health and preventing the spread of disease at every opportunity.
