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Disease Surveillance, Outreach and Prevention

The Disease Surveillance, Outreach and Prevention (DSOP) program provides surveillance, reporting and investigations of sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDs and incidents of tuberculosis, along with targeted education, testing and referral for treatment for individuals affected by these diseases.

Confidential STD Testing

Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE)

Rethink Positive

STD Education and Prevention

A team effort

The DSOP team consists of disease intervention specialists, community service aids, community educators, social workers, congenital syphilis specialists, and representatives of other programs (Disease Suurveillance, Social Determinates of Health, Ending the HIV Epidemic, Rethink Positive, HIP and Data to Care).

The team is also the only team working directly with the only tuberculosis clinic in Tarrant County.

   

Mobile testing operations

The DSOP team can set up testing sites at one or more locations, allowing the department to go to county areas where no current clinics are available and/or the clients have limited transportation options.

   

What transmittable diseases are reportable?

All positive test results for the following diseases are considered by law as reportable:

  • Chancroid
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • HIV, including CD4 counts and viral loads
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  • Syphilis
  • Tuberculosis

   

Why report these diseases?

  • Many contagious diseases, if disregarded or left untreated, have the potential to infect loved ones, families and spread into whole communities.
  • Public health laws have been passed to help protect the public from such diseases.
  • Under Texas law, these diseases are required to be reported under Title 25, Texas Administrative code, Chapter 97.
  • Failure to report is a Class B Misdemeanor.

   

Why is reporting important?

  • It breaks the chain of infection.
  • Helps identify outbreaks.
  • Partner notification is more likely to occur.
  • Appropriate referrals for additional community services can be provided.
  • Health departments have an excellent record of handling partner notification confidentially.
  • Clients and partners are treated non-judgmentally and with respect.
  • Health department’s notification ensures confidential, consistent and accurate information for clients and partners.
  • It is required by state law.
Professional woman taking notes from client

   

Who should report?

Any person having documented knowledge of a positive reportable disease or health condition is legally obligated to report. This includes:

  • Physicians
  • Dentists
  • Health care providers
  • Clinics
  • Hospitals
  • Jails/Prisons
  • Laboratories

   

Patient information to be reported:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Address, City/State, ZIP code
  • County
  • Sex
  • Race
  • Ethnicity
  • Date test collected
  • Test type and results
  • Performing laboratory
  • Date lab reported results
  • Clinic’s complete address
  • Clinic’s telephone number

   

Where and how to report:

Contact the Tarrant County Public Health STD Surveillance Office 817-321-4864 or 4851.

Reporting forms are available from the STD Surveillance Office email.

Forms can also be ordered by phone.

Forms can be submitted by fax: 817-850-2355

When reporting, submit the completed disease reporting form to the Surveillance Office within 1-5 working days.