Infectious Disease Reporting

Disease investigation and prevention of outbreaks are among the highest priorities of Williams County Health Department. It is an important part of protecting the public’s health. Our goal is to prevent and reduce transmission of all infectious diseases through a system of surveillance, disease control and education.

Certain infectious diseases are required by law to be reported to the local health department. Our public health nurses contact the healthcare provider, patient and/or family to determine how the disease was contracted and instruct people how to prevent further spread of the disease.

To report an infectious disease:

Phone 419-485-3141 – ask for a public health nurse

Confidential disease fax – 419-216-5108

After-hours emergency phone for doctors and labs to report a Class A reportable disease – 419-636-8497

What is an infectious disease?

An infectious or communicable disease is an illness spread by coming in contact with someone or something that is infected. Bacteria, viruses and parasites cause infectious diseases. 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.

What diseases must be reported?

The list of reportable diseases in Ohio is located here

Who must report infectious diseases?

Healthcare providers and laboratories must report all suspected and/or confirmed cases of reportable communicable diseases to the local health department where the patient resides. Follow-up will be based on whether the communicable disease is suspected or lab-confirmed, number of people ill, and if the disease is on the Reportable Disease List for Ohio.

How do healthcare providers and labs report an infectious disease?

You can notify the WCHD of a reportable disease one of several ways:

Confidential Fax – 419-216-5108

During normal business hours – Call WCHD at 419-485-3141 and ask to speak to a public health nurse

Or

Contact the after-hour emergency line at 419-636-8497