Disease Prevention/Epidemiology

The Office of Epidemiology collects, analyzes and distributes public health data to Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) programs and to external organizations and individuals seeking information on disease in Maricopa County.

The Office of Epidemiology works in collaboration with MCDPH Community Health Nursing, Maricopa County Department of Environmental Services, Arizona Department of Health Services, Maricopa County Medical Examiner, and other entities to carry out the following activities:

Investigate and respond to disease outbreaks. Outbreaks could be caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water, by exposure to infected persons or animals, or by other means. Investigations may include requesting restaurant or other site inspections, interviewing patients and contacts, obtaining medical records and specimens, reviewing laboratory results, analyzing statistical data and other tasks. To report a complaint about a food establishment visit Maricopa County Department of Environmental Services or call 602.506.6616.
Track and investigate communicable disease cases and participate in implementing interventions to stop the spread of disease. Implementation strategies may include education, immunization, quarantine, preventive treatment and others. For information on how to report a communicable disease, click here.
Plan for and respond to public health emergencies (e.g. avian influenza, serious weather conditions, and intentional acts) in coordination with Maricopa County Public Health Emergency Management.
Produce reports and presentations on diseases and health conditions in Maricopa County.
Conduct studies of local public health importance.

Most commonly requested Maricopa County health data can be found on our Annual Health Status Reports page.

For state-wide health information, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services

For national health statistics, visit the National Center for Health Statistics

For population statistics, visit the U.S. Census Bureau

If you are looking for information about individual birth and death certificates, visit the Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration