Communicable Disease Reporting
A communicable disease is an infectious disease capable of being transmitted from one person or species to another. These diseases can be spread in a variety of ways, including:
- Blood and bodily fluids
- Airbone Viruses
- Bites from infected animals or insects
Timely reporting of communicable diseases by healthcare providers, schools, and citizens is important for disease investigation, planning, and prevention. Reports are investigated by epidemiology specialists to determine case status, ensure appropriate medical therapy is received, and to allow time for detecting common-source outbreaks.
How to Protect Yourself and Others
There are many ways the public can protect themselves and others from communicable diseases:
Stay up-to-date on current recommended vaccinations
Wash your hands after using the restroom and after coming in contact with shared surfaces
Report known or suspected cases of a reportable communicable disease
How Do I Make a Report?
To report a communicable disease:
Contact your primary care physician or your local public health agency.
For more information, including a full list of diseases and conditions that are reportable to your local public health agency or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, visit Diseases and Conditions Reportable in Missouri.
Additional Resources
Call today to report a communicable disease or learn more about disease prevention!
Contact us at (573) 642-6881 for further information.