Communicable Diseases

Graphic showing how germs spread from person to person.

Ohio law (OAC 3701-3-02, 3701-3-05, and 3701-3-12) requires that certain communicable and highly contagious diseases be reported to local health departments. These diseases include salmonella, hepatitis, rabies, cryptosporidiosis, tetanus, chickenpox, whooping cough, and more.

  • Early detection of infectious disease is crucial for preventing their spread. Healthcare providers, laboratories, school nurses, infection control specialists, and others must report suspected of confirmed cases so that necessary public health measures can be take quickly.

  • Once a communicable disease is reported and confirmed, a public health investigator will:

    • Verify the diagnosis and identify the source of infection

    • Locate affected individuals and assess transmission risks

    • Provide guidance on symptoms, diagnosis, transmission, and prevention

    • Collaborate with environmental health staff if an outbreak involves public spaces like restaurants or daycare centers

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