Communicable Disease

Communicable Disease

Disease investigation and prevention of outbreaks are among the highest priorities of Calumet County Public Health. Our goal is to prevent and reduce transmission of all communicable diseases through a system of surveillance, control, and education. Certain diseases are required by law to be reported to the local health department. Public health nurses contact the primary care provider, patient, and/or family in an attempt to determine how the disease was contracted and to teach how to prevent further spread of the disease.

What is a communicable disease?
Communicable diseases, also known as infectious or transmissible diseases, are illnesses that result from the infection in another human or animal host. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are the most common organisms causing communicable diseases. These illnesses can be passed from person (or animal) to person through direct contact with body fluids, ingesting contaminated food or beverages, airborne or from animals to humans, Protection against communicable diseases includes investigation to identify the possible source of a disease outbreak and to keep it from spreading. Public health also provides education to health professionals and the public on preventing and controlling the disease.

View the Communicable Disease Fact Sheets A through Z

What diseases are reported?
Reportable Disease- WI Disease Reporting

Who reports communicable disease?

  • Health care providers (physicians, hospitals, infection control professionals) with knowledge of a case or suspect case of a disease that is required to be reported.
  • Laboratories that examine specimens of human origin with evidence of diseases that are required to be reported.
  • Any individual having knowledge of a person suffering from a disease suspected of being communicable.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and refers to a group of infections that affect the liver. The most common are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

  • Hepatitis counseling: Calumet County Public Health provides education, prevention counseling and recommended vaccines for those found to have hepatitis.
  • Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program: Women diagnosed with hepatitis B during pregnancy or after delivery are provided with education and follow-up for their infants, family, and contacts.

To receive a referral for hepatitis services, contact Public Health at 920-849-1432 or 920-989-2700 ext. 432.

Additional Information

Factsheet: Hepatitis ABC Learn the Differences (PDF)
CDC Viral Hepatitis Webpage

Infection Control

Infection control is a set of practices used to reduce the spread of diseases. Some examples include proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (masks and gowns), cleaning and disinfection, waste management, and cough etiquette. Public health serves as a resource for infection control standards.

For more information, contact Public Health at 920-849-1432 or 920-989-2700 ext. 432.

Additional Information

"Common Colds:  Protect Yourself and Others"
Wisconsin Department of Health Infection Control Resources
YouTube Video: Snort, Sniffle, and Sneeze. No antibiotics, please!
YouTube Video: How Can I Prevent the Spread of Flu?

Measles

View information about Measles and the available vaccination.

Meningitis

Meningitis video

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

STD Information

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria can attack any part of the body but usually attacks the lungs. People who are infected with TB do not feel sick, do not have any symptoms, and cannot spread TB. If untreated, they may develop TB disease and be able to spread it. People who have TB infection but are not yet sick can take medicine so that they will never develop TB disease.

TB Skin Tests

TB Skin Tests are available by contacting public health to schedule an appointment at 920-849-1432. A cost of $26 will be assessed.

Additional Information

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Tuberculosis
Wisconsin Tuberculosis Program

Dead Bird Reporting / West Nile Virus

Please call the State of Wisconsin’s Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 800-433-1610.