Communicable Disease

Communicable diseases, sometimes called infectious diseases, are illnesses caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Infectious diseases remain a major cause of illness, disability, and death. Some communicable diseases are reported to Public Health by physicians, clinics, family members or the ill person. Local health departments offer investigation, education, and control measures to assure the safety of the individual, family, and community.

For additional information related to communicable disease:
List of Diseases and Conditions

Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases.pdf

Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory llnesses are primarily spread to others by respiratory droplets and aerosols when an infected person breathes, speaks, sings, coughs, or sneezes. They can also be spread by contact - either with the infected person (like kissing or shaking hands), or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. These viruses can survive on surfaces for many hours.

Additional information:

• COVID-19
• Influenza
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• Tuberculosis

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites and do not always cause symptoms or may cause mild symptoms so you may have an infection and not know it. STI’s affect both men and women and can cause health problems. You should talk to a health care provider if you think you should be tested.

The local health department follows up with people reported to have a sexually transmitted infection. Education, intervention and prevention for future occurrences is discussed, everything talked about is confidential.

Additional information::

• STIs: General Information
• Prevent STIs (CDC)
• Reportable STIs
• Communicable Disease Reporting Requirements

Mpox (Monkeypox)

Mpox is a rare but potentially serious disease that is caused by the mpox virus. Mpox virus is from the same family of viruses as the smallpox virus. Mpox virus is usually found in Central and West Africa and normally does not spread in the United States. However, occasional outbreaks of mpox can occur in the United States.

Common symptoms may include:

• New unexplained rash and skin lesions that can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy
• May be on face, inside of mouth, hands feet chest, genitals or anus.
• Fever (rash usually develops 1-3 days after fever)
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

Additional information::

• Mpox (Monkeypox)