Communicable Diseases

Note: click on the items that are bold for links to more information.  

A communicable disease is one that is spread from one person to another through a variety of ways that include: contact with blood and bodily fluids; breathing in an airborne virus; or by being bitten by an insect.

Health care providers are required to report certain communicable diseases to public health departments. Public Health departments are required by law (Wisconsin State Statute 252) to follow up on certain communicable diseases.   Follow up may include interviewing cases and contacts, education, treatment, offering vaccination, and working with schools/day cares/employers/etc. to prevent disease spread.