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
Communicable diseases are illnesses that can spread through germs, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These germs can spread from person to person or through things in our environment, such as soil, water, and contaminated food.
In Wisconsin, certain diseases must be reported to local health departments. These diseases are divided into three categories (Category I, II, and III) based on their public health impact. State law requires health care providers, hospitals, clinics, and laboratories to report these diseases.
What happens when a disease is reported?
When a disease is reported, Public Health works to prevent it from spreading and protect our community. Depending on the disease, our staff may:
- Contact people who have been exposed to the disease.
- Share information about how to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Follow up with people to make sure they receive the care or treatment they need.
- Work with health care providers, schools, and community partners to prevent more people from getting sick.
Communicable Diseases in Outagamie County
Many different communicable diseases are reported in Outagamie County each year. Some of the most common diseases are grouped into the following categories:
Foodborne Illness (Food Poisoning)
Did you know that the food you eat can sometimes make you sick? Foodborne illnesses, also called food poisoning, happen when food contains harmful germs. Eating undercooked food or allowing germs from raw foods to spread to foods that are ready to eat can cause food poisoning.
Symptoms can vary depending on the illness, but diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms.
To learn more, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Food Poisoning webpage.
Waterborne Illness
Waterborne illnesses happen when people swallow or come into contact with water that contains harmful germs. These germs can be found in lakes, ponds, rivers, swimming pools, wells, and fountains. You can get sick from swimming, bathing, drinking contaminated water, or eating food prepared with it.
Waterborne illnesses often cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and other digestive problems.
Protect yourself and your family! Learn how waterborne illnesses spread, what symptoms to watch for, and how to stay safe. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Waterborne Illnesses webpage for helpful tips and information.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that spread from person to person, usually through sexual contact. Some STIs can also spread through shared needles or contact with certain body fluids.
Getting tested is an important step in protecting your health! Outagamie County Public Health helps people access STI testing and treatment. Free at-home STI test kits are available through our Public Health Vending Machine or by request in our Public Health lobby.
Take charge of your sexual health! Learn more about STIs, testing, treatment, and STI rates in Outagamie County by visiting our STI webpage.
Vector-borne Illness
Vector-borne illnesses spread through bites from infected insects and other animals. In Outagamie County, these illnesses are most commonly spread by mosquitoes and ticks.
Don't let mosquitoes and ticks ruin your time outdoors! Protect yourself and your family by taking steps to prevent bites when spending time outside.
Take action before heading outdoors! Learn how to prevent bites, spot signs of illness, and stay safe by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Health Services webpages on ticks and mosquitoes.
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.