What We Do

The Outbreak Response and Bioterrorism Investigation Team (ORBIT) conducts surveillance for infectious diseases caused by exposure to contaminated food and water. ORBIT also responses to bioterrorism incidents in Ohio by acting as a liaison between law enforcement and the state public health laboratory. ORBIT oversees outbreak investigations for foodborne, waterborne, community and institutional outbreaks.

ORBIT gathers information on infectious diseases of public health concern from local health districts, doctors, hospitals and laboratories in accordance with Ohio’s Communicable Disease Reporting Rules.  Ohio's list of reportable infectious diseases and reporting requirements, including timelines for reporting and surveillance case definitions, are included in the Ohio Department of Health’s Infectious Disease Control Manual (IDCM).

The most immediate purpose of infectious disease surveillance is the management and control of communicable diseases  Analysis of infectious disease surveillance data by time, place and person documents the distribution of disease and allows for the detection of outbreaks. If you think you have food poisoning, please contact your local health department.

Have You Ever Heard of Norovirus?

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus. You can get norovirus from:

• Having direct contact with an infected person
• Consuming contaminated food or water
• Touching contaminated surfaces then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth

This short video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains what norovirus is, how it is spread, groups that are at high risk for severe disease and how you can protect yourself and loved ones from getting it.
 

Mailing Address:

Outbreak Response and Bioterrorism Investigation Team
Bureau of Infectious Diseases
Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High St.
Columbus, OH  43215

Phone:  (614) 995-5599
Fax:  (614) 564-2456
E-mail:  ORBIT@odh.ohio.gov