Communicable Disease Reporting

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​What is a communicable disease?
A communicable, or infectious, disease is an illness spread by coming in contact with an infected someone or something. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are the most common organisms causing communicable disease. These illnesses can be passed from person (or animal) to person through direct contact with body fluids, ingesting contaminated food or water, breathing contaminated air, or by the bite of an infected animal.

​Disease investigation and prevention of outbreaks are among the highest priorities of the Tuscarawas County Health Department due to the fact it is an important part of protecting the public's health. Our goal is to prevent and reduce the transmission of all communicable diseases through a system of surveillance, control, and education. Certain diseases, called reportable communicable diseases are required by law (Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 3703-3-01 through 3701-3-31) to be reported to the local health department. Our Epidemiologist contacts the primary care provider, patient, and/or family in an attempt to determine how the disease was contracted and to teach how to prevent the further spread of the disease.

    Communicable Disease Reporting Form 
    The person reporting the disease should place their first and last name in the boxes below. In the comment section please place patient name, date of birth, disease being reported, and contact number for the physician or medical office.                   All information is forwarded to a secure email and is confidential.

Communicable Disease FAQs

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What diseases must be reported? 
  • Communicable diseases are categorized by class A, B, or C. 
  • Class A diseases must be reported immediately. Examples of these are measles, rubella, smallpox, diphtheria, influenza A, etc. 
  • Class B must be reported by the end of the day. Examples of these are Lyme disease, mumps, pertussis, gonorrhea, etc. 
  • Class C must be reported by the end of the next business day. Examples of these are foodborne illnesses, waterborne illnesses, healthcare associated illnesses, etc. 
How do I report a disease? 
  • Contact us at 330-343-5555, ext. 1810 
Who will you share my information with? 
  • Your name and identifying information are not shared with the public, and HIPAA laws are followed to protect your privacy.
What happens after I report a disease? 
  • Our communicable disease nurse contacts the primary care provider and the patient to determine how the disease was contracted and to teach how to prevent further spread of the disease. 
Why do communicable diseases have to be reported? 
  • Certain diseases, called reportable communicable diseases, are required by law (Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 3703-3-01 through 3701-3-31) to be reported to the local health department. 
  • It is vital that certain diseases are reported in order to prevent the disease from spreading and to keep other individuals in the community safe. 
What about HIPAA? 
  • In order to prevent the spread of the disease the HIPPA privacy law allows for the release of information to the Communicable Disease Nurse at the Tuscarawas County Health Department. 
Who is required to report communicable diseases? 
  • Ohio law requires that physicians, labs, hospitals, and all other health professionals report any suspected or confirmed cases of an infectious disease to the local health department. 

The Infectious Disease Control Manual (IDCM) and Communicable Disease Rules 3703-3-01 through 3701-3-31 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) are designed to be a reference for health departments, hospitals, laboratories and physicians in Ohio for guidance on who should report, when to report, how to report, and where to report confirmed and suspected infectious diseases. The Tuscarawas County Health Department (TCHD) has complied a self-study tool to familiarize individuals in our community who may have to report such infection or disease. 

Contact Us:
(330) 343-5555, x1810

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