Epidemiology
Mission
Our mission is to protect and promote the health of the people of Texas. We use the principles of epidemiology to:
- Operate disease registries
- Conduct disease surveillance
- Investigate unusual occurrences of disease
- Assess environmental exposures
- Conduct population research studies
In order to identify populations at risk, understand the cause of disease, and recommend actions to reduce risk.
Epidemiology Program Overview
- Detect, respond to, and investigate reports of communicable disease
- Actively monitors disease incidences within the region to rapidly detect and address disease outbreaks, including bioterrorism events
- Coordinate rapid response to High Consequences Infectious Diseases (HCID)
- Promote comprehensive outbreak surveillance and investigation methodologies
- Promotes clinical awareness of notifiable diseases
- Compile statistical case investigation data
- Coordinate planning efforts with public health disciplines and agencies to ensure surveillance mechanisms are in place
- Provide technical guidance to officials in local, state, and federal agencies as well as medical providers
Disease Reporting
24/7 Disease Reporting Line
Phone: 888-847-6892 / Fax: 915-834-7842
- PHR 9/10 Notifiable Conditions (PDF) / Texas Notifiable Conditions (PDF)
- Initial Provider Disease Report (EPI-2 Form) (PDF)
- Investigation Forms
- Investigation Guidance
Program Directory
| Name | Title | Phone | Office Address | |
| David Kolberson, RN, CCHP | Program Manager | 915-834-7710 | david.kolberson@dshs.texas.gov | 401 E. Franklin, Ste. 210 El Paso, TX 79901 |
| Vanessa Palacios, MCJ | Epidemiology Supervisor | 915-834-7714 | vanessa.palacios@dshs.texas.gov | 401 E. Franklin, Ste. 210 El Paso, TX 79901 |
| Karla Ruiz, MPH, CIC | Epidemiologist II | 915-834-7754 | karla.ruiz@dshs.texas.gov | 401 E. Franklin, Ste. 210 El Paso, TX 79901 |
| Vianay L. Nava, MPH | Epidemiologist I | 915-834-7892 | vianay.nava@dshs.texas.gov | 401 E. Franklin, Ste. 210 El Paso, TX 79901 |
| Vacant | Program Specialist III | N/A | N/A | 401 E. Franklin, Ste. 210 El Paso, TX 79901 |
Regional Reports and Statistics
PHR 9/10 Local Health Departments
- City of El Paso Department of Public Health
- Midland Health & Senior Services
- Ector County Health Department
- Andrews County Health Department
- South Plains Public Health District
Links