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.

​The Tuscarawas County Health Department places a high priority on disease investigation and outbreak prevention, as these efforts are crucial for safeguarding public health. Our mission is to minimize the spread of communicable diseases through effective surveillance, control measures, and educational initiatives. Certain illnesses, known as reportable communicable diseases, must be reported to the local health department as mandated by law (Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 3703-3-01 through 3701-3-31). Our Epidemiologist reaches out to primary care providers, patients, and their families to understand how the disease was contracted and to provide guidance on preventing its further transmission.

    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. 1890. 
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) along with the Communicable Disease Rules 3703-3-01 to 3701-3-31 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) serve as a valuable resource for health departments, hospitals, laboratories, and physicians across Ohio. They provide essential guidance on the reporting process for confirmed and suspected infectious diseases, including who is responsible for reporting, the timing, methods, and locations for submission. To assist our community members who may need to report such infections or diseases, the Tuscarawas County Health Department (TCHD) has created a self-study tool.

Contact Us:
(330) 343-5555, x1890

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