Communicable Disease
DHS Food or Waterborne Illness Reporting System
The online questionnaire takes less than five minutes to complete. It helps local health departments, like Outagamie County Public Health, identify sources of contamination to prevent others from getting sick. If additional information is needed, public health specialists may contact those who report their illness. All follow-up will remain confidential.
Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by contact with disease causing pathogens. These pathogens could be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Pathogens can be passed from person to person or also be found in our environment. Sources could include soil, water, and contaminated food.
In Wisconsin, there are 3 categories of reportable illnesses (Category I, II, and III). These diseases/conditions are considered to have significant public health impact. Reporting agencies, such as hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, are required by state statute to report these diseases/conditions to their local health department.
Once a communicable disease is reported, Public Health is required to investigate the circumstances and take all measures necessary to prevent, stop, and control the spread of disease. When we receive a communicable disease report, Public Health staff conduct follow-up activities, which might include interviewing contacts, education, follow-up with treatment, working with other health care providers and schools, and other interventions to prevent further transmission.
In Outagamie County, we see a variety of communicable diseases. The more commonly seen illnesses can be grouped into the following categories:
Foodborne Illness
Sometimes referred to as food poisoning, foodborne illnesses are caused by eating contaminated food. Undercooking or cross contamination of raw and ready to eat foods are common sources of exposure to foodborne illnesses. Symptoms may vary by illness but this group is one of the most common causes of diarrhea.
For more information on foodborne illnesses, please see the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Food Poisoning webpage.
Waterborne Illness
Waterborne illnesses are transmitted through contact or ingestion of contaminated water. Possible sources of contaminated water include, but are not limited to, lakes, ponds, rivers, pools, wells, fountains, or food prepared with said water. These illnesses could be contracted through swimming, bathing, or drinking. Similar to foodborne, waterborne illnesses often cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
For more information on waterborne illnesses, please see the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Waterborne Illnesses webpage.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections are generally passed from person to person during sexual contact. Other routes of transmission may include shared needles and contact with bodily fluids. The Public Health Division assures the availability of STI testing and treatment. Free at home STI test kits are available in our Public Health Vending Machine or by request in the Public Health lobby.
For more information on STIs, please see the Wisconsin Department of Health Services webpage.
Vector-borne Illness
Vector-borne illnesses are transmitted by contact with an animal carrying the disease. In Outagamie County, these illnesses are most commonly transmitted after being bitten by infected mosquitos or ticks. It is important to minimize mosquito and tick exposure during outdoor activities.
For more information on vector-borne illnesses, please see the Wisconsin Department of Health Services webpages on ticks and mosquitos.
If you are experiencing symptoms or think you may have a communicable disease, please contact your primary care provider.
If you have further questions about communicable disease, please contact us.