The Outbreak Response and Bioterrorism Investigation Program is a combination of the Investigation Section and the Bioterrorism Epidemiology and Surveillance Program.  Because the name of the program is long, program staff came up with the acronym ORBIT (Outbreak Response and Bioterrorism Investigation Team).

The mission of this program is to prevent and control foodborne, waterborne, health-care associated infections (HAI), emerging infectious disease outbreaks and incidents of bioterrorism in Ohio.

Activities

·         Provide consultation and technical assistance to local health jurisdictions and health care professionals in the investigation of individual cases or outbreaks related to foodborne, waterborne, HAI, emerging infectious diseases or suspect bioterrorism incidents

·         Provide education and training for public health and health care professionals on prevention and control related to foodborne, waterborne, HAI and emerging infectious diseases

·         Collaborate with other Ohio Department of Health bureaus and state and federal agencies to protect and improve the health of Ohioans related to identifying and preventing foodborne, waterborne, HAI and emerging infectious disease outbreaks or bioterrorism incidents

·         Report foodborne waterborne and person to person enteric disease outbreaks promptly through the National Outbreak Reporting System

·         Coordinate capacity planning, outreach and training activities pertaining to bioterrorism and public health infrastructure epidemiology

·         Ensure availability 24/7/365 to respond to Class A infectious disease reports

Additional Information

·         Infectious Disease Control Manual
 

Mailing Address
Outbreak Response and Bioterrorism Investigation Program

Bureau of Disease Investigation and Surveillance

Ohio Department of Health
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone: (614) 995-5599
Fax: (614) 995-7186

E-mail: orbit@odh.ohio.gov

Last Reviewed: 06/24/2009