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Communicable Diseases

This image shows a person washing their hands under a kitchen faucet.
What is a communicable disease?

An infectious or communicable disease is an illness spread by coming in contact with someone or something that is infected. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause infectious diseases. These illnesses can be passed from person (or animal) to person through direct contact with bodily fluids, ingesting contaminated food or water, breathing contaminated air, or by the bite of an infected animal.

What diseases are reportable?

A complete list of reportable diseases in Ohio can be found here.

How are diseases reported? 

Laboratories, hospitals, physicians, and other health professionals send reports to the health department. Reports may be securely faxed to 419-334-6380.

The reporting form can be found here.

What does the health department do with the reports?​

All disease reports are reviewed by the health department. Some disease reports are only for statistical purposes, but many require that we contact the person to try to determine the source of infection and prevent further spread. All reported information is kept confidential.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE - FACT SHEETS

Click on each link to download PDF:

        Disease investigation and prevention of outbreaks are among the highest priorities of Sandusky County Public Health due to the fact it is an important part of protecting the public’s health. Our goal is to prevent and reduce transmission of all infectious diseases through a system of surveillance, control, and education. Certain communicable diseases are required by law to be reported to the local health department. Our epidemiologists will contact the healthcare provider, patient and/or family to determine how the disease was contracted and instruct how to prevent further spread of the disease.

Infographic titled “COVID-19 Isolation Guidance.” It states that if you have COVID-19, stay home and away from others until for 24 hours both your symptoms are getting better and you are fever free without medication. It then advises taking added precautions for the next five days, including wearing a mask around others, washing hands often and cleaning frequently touched surfaces, improving ventilation by opening windows, and covering coughs and sneezes. The Sandusky County Public Health logo appears at the bottom, and the graphic is dated 8/14/2024
Links:

Proper Needle Disposal from Home - Provided by the Solid Waste District

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Questions about communicable diseases can be emailed to Ally Smith, asmith@scpublichealth.com or call 419-334-6312.

Updated on 12/2/25

Sandusky County Public Health can be contacted 24 hours a day in the event of an after-hours public health emergency. 

After hours call the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 419-334-6433 and ask to speak to a Public Health Official.

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Public health emergencies could include:

An immediate environmental health hazard (e.g. drinking water contamination), An infectious disease of immediate public health concern,

(a Class A reportable disease, which requires disease reporters to contact the health department immediately by phone)

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