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DOH Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Bureau of Epidemiology and Laboratories

Bureau of Communicable Diseases


  • The mission of the Bureau of Communicable Diseases is to reduce the incidence and prevalence of communicable diseases in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by providing a wide range of prevention and intervention strategies that incorporate all aspects of government and community partnerships.

    To this end, the Bureau operates disease control programs for four major areas:

    HIV/AIDS,

    vaccine preventable diseases (immunizations), sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis. The Bureau of Communicable Diseases is comprised of 3 divisions: HIV/AIDS, Immunizations and TB/STD.

    Bureau of Communicable Diseases


    Room 1023


    625 Forster St.


    Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701


    717-783-0479 Phone


    717-705-5513 Fax


Bureau of Epidemiology


  • Epidemiology is the study of disease patterns and outbreaks. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology collects data on diseases affecting persons in the commonwealth including numbers of diseases, causes of diseases and locations of diseases. The Bureau of Epidemiology investigates disease outbreaks and epidemics. The Bureau also advises on health issues, rules and regulations affecting citizens. Epidemiology is the study of disease patterns and outbreaks.

    Bureau of Epidemiology


    Room 933


    625 Forster St.


    Harrisburg, PA 17120


    717-787-3350 Phone

    717-772-6975 Fax


Bureau of Laboratories


  • To provide clinical laboratory testing, advice, consultation and quality assurance standards to all who require or deliver medical diagnostic services; to assure services are accurate, timely, state-of-the-art, cost effective, and delivered in a responsive and courteous manner. The Bureau of Laboratories operates the state public health lab and regulates clinical laboratories serving the citizens of Pennsylvania. The laboratory supports disease prevention through the provision of investigatory, diagnostic, and confirmatory testing for both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Routine testing provides information necessary for patient care and aids in monitoring ongoing public health concerns in Pennsylvania.



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