What is a Communicable Disease?

Communicable diseases are illnesses that can be passed from one person or animal, to another. In Wisconsin, there are many diseases that must be reported to the health department by law. The Wauwatosa Health Department works with residents and local health care partners to prevent further spread of these illnesses in the community. 

Reporting a Communicable Disease

A list of the reportable diseases can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. Category I and II communicable diseases listed on the WI Department of Health Services website are to be reported to the local health department located in the patient's place of residence.

Required Reporting

Most health care professionals, particularly those licensed through the Wisconsin State statutes under chapters 441 or 448 are required to report confirmed or suspected cases of communicable diseases to their local health department per Wisconsin administrative code HS 145.04.

Additionally, Wisconsin State statute 252.05 states that any person licensed, permitted, registered, or certified under chapter 441 or 448 knowing or having reason to know that a person treated or visited by him or her has a communicable disease, or having a communicable disease has died, shall report the appearance of the disease or death to the local health officer or health department. Persons required to report include:

• Physicians
• A person in charge of infection control at a health care institution
• School nurses, school principals, and day care center directors
• Laboratory directors and their representatives
• Blood and plasma donation centers

Communicable Disease Resources

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services

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