The OPH conducts investigations of disease outbreaks that occur in the National Park System. Supported by a medical epidemiologist, OPH staff work with park units to detect disease transmission, limit impact, investigate root causes, and utilize this information to improve visitor protection.

Diseases and Illnesses can be caused by Infectious Agents (Waterborne, Foodborne & Vectorborne) or Chemical and Environmental Agents.

Reference Manual 83G provides basic surveillance strategies for managing illness incidence occurring in visitor and employed populations.

Each year, dozens of infectious disease case reports and outbreaks occur at National Park Service (NPS) units among humans, wildlife species, or both. Responding to these events often requires collaboration across multiple NPS divisions and outside agencies; however, to date, a formal NPS mechanism for investigating such adverse health events has not existed.

To help address this crucial need, we are pleased to announce the formation of an NPS Disease Outbreak Investigation Team (DOIT) led by the NPS Office of Public Health and Natural Resource Program Center’s Wildlife Management and Health Program. The multi-disciplinary team is rooted in the concept of One Health, which advocates cooperation between veterinary and human medicine to combat diseases that are shared between people and other animals to improve global health.

Projects

Papers

General Information

Diseases & Illnesses not covered here - CDC - Diseases and Conditions (leaving NPS)

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