(a) The department shall investigate the causes and effects of communicable disease and methods of prevention.
(b) The department may require special investigations of specified cases of disease to evaluate the status in this state of epidemic, endemic, or sporadic diseases. Each health authority shall provide information on request according to the department's written instructions.
(c) The department may investigate the existence of communicable disease in the state to determine the nature and extent of the disease and potential effects on the health of individuals and to formulate and evaluate the control measures used to protect the public health. A person shall provide records and other information to the department on request according to the department's written instructions.