We work with local health departments, other states and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent and control communicable diseases and outbreaks of acute diseases in Oregon

We assist local health departments with disease investigation and control and investigate outbreaks with local health departments, neighboring states or the CDC; conduct surveillance on diseases of new and increasing concern and collect, analyze and publish reportable disease surveillance data to guide public health policy; provide guidelines about preparedness and response to a bioterrorism event or natural pandemic; educate patients and clinicians about the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria; develop electronic disease reporting networks through the ELR and NEDSS programs; review and approve alternative methods of infectious waste treatment.