Communicable Disease Control
Partners for a Healthy Community
Most communicable disease surveillance systems rely primarily on information obtained through case reports from physicians and other health care providers. This type of clinician-based surveillance is currently our best source of information about temporal and geographical trends and the sociodemographic characteristics of the person affected.
In addition to the diseases listed on the Notifiable Conditions, it is vital that clinicians also report unusual clusters of disease or events that raise a level of suspicion. This is especially important in today's climate of possible bioterrorism. Your vigilance in observing and reporting is important and appreciated.
To make a report or receive assistance with an outbreak investigation call:
(253) 798-6534 Disease Reporting line
(253) 798-7666 Confidential Fax
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A to Z Disease list
- Health Advisories and Disease Alerts
- Immunizations
Why report communicable diseases?
Reporting benefits the patient by:
- Helping to prevent re-infection by contacts
- Helping to assure compliance with medical therapy
- Providing health education and resources to patient and contacts
Reporting benefits the provider by:
- Helping to assure patient compliance with prescribed regimens
- Assisting the provider to educate the patient and contacts
- Decreasing repeat visits for managed care patients
Reporting benefits the public by:
- Preventing the spread of disease through case investigation
- Providing reliable information for surveillance
- Identifying trends in disease
- Identifying geographical and demographical trends
- Rapid identification of health threats
- Acting as an early warning system by detecting microbial, environmental, behavioral, and occupational threats to health
- Aiding in policy decisions, i.e., resource allocation, and determining public health priorities
Additional Resources:
- Infection Control
- Communicable Disease Reporting and Resources Manual for medical offices
- Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing
- Communicable Disease Report
