How to Report a Communicable Disease
Under the California Code of Regulations, Title 17 (Section 2500), public health professionals, medical providers and others are mandated to report approximately 85 diseases or conditions to their local health department. Additionally, anyone in charge of any type of school is also required to report these diseases (Section 2508), as are laboratories (Section 2505).
Why Report?
Ultimately, report a communicable disease to protect the public's health. Certain diseases are required by legal mandate (California Code of Regulations, Title 17) for healthcare providers to report. The primary objectives of disease surveillance are:
Where Do These Reports Go?
The reports remain confidential. The Merced County Department of Public Health shares much of its investigation with the California Department of Health Services and it, in turn, reports certain diseases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What Are These Reports Used For?
Reporting enables appropriate public health follow-up for patients; helps identify outbreaks, and provides a better understanding of morbidity patterns (at local, state, and national levels). For a faxable Disease Case Reporting Form/Confidential Morbidity Report (CMR), please click here.
Which Diseases Are Reportable?
To view a list of the diseases and conditions that must be reported and the reporting timelines, please click here. The list includes the notifications required of laboratories (CCR Section 2505) and Reportable Non-Communicable Diseases or Conditions.
