Wisconsin has communicable disease reporting requirements, P-02566, that support public health’s responsibilities to control the incidence and spread of communicable diseases in our state.
The diseases and conditions listed on this page are considered to have significant public health impact, and any confirmed or suspected cases must be reported promptly.
Health Alert Network (HAN)
The HAN enables public health staff, tribal governments, health care providers, emergency workers, and others to exchange reliable information as outbreaks evolve.
Access the HAN webpage to read messages that have gone out in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging health issues.
Requirements for the timing of reporting, once the disease or condition is recognized or suspected, vary by disease. In addition to the information listed below, general reporting requirements are described in Wis. Stat. ch. 252 Communicable Diseases. The specific reporting requirements are described in Wis. Admin Code. ch. DHS 145 Control of Communicable Diseases. A list of reportable conditions is provided in Wis. Admin Code. ch. DHS 145 - Appendix A.
Questions concerning this information may be directed to: Bureau of Communicable Diseases, 608-267-9003, or the Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, 608-266-1120.
Case Reporting Methods and Contact Information
Category I diseases must be reported IMMEDIATELY by telephone (preferred) to the patient's local health officer, or their designee. Category II diseases must be reported within 72 hours either electronically through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease Case Report, F-44151 or STD Case Report Form, F-44243, or by other means. HIV/AIDS should be reported directly to the Wisconsin HIV Program.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND OTHER NOTIFIABLE CONDITIONS
Category I
CATEGORY I:
The following diseases are of urgent public health importance and shall be reported IMMEDIATELY by telephone to the patient's local health officer, or to the local health officer's designee, upon identification of a case or suspected case. In addition to the immediate report, within 24 hours, complete and fax, mail, or submit a case report electronically through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), or by other means. Public health intervention is expected as indicated. See Wis. Admin Code. § DHS 145.04(3)(a) and Wis. Stat. § 252.05.
Notes Key:
- Infectious disease or other condition designated as notifiable at the national level.
- Required Wisconsin or CDC follow-up form completed by public health agency.
- High-risk assessment by local health department is needed to determine if patient or member of patient's household is employed in food handling, daycare or health care.
- Source investigation by local or state health department is needed.
- Immediate treatment is recommended, i.e., antibiotic or biologic for the patient or contact or both.
- Coordination between local and state health departments is recommended for follow-up.
- Disease declared reportable by State Epidemiologist memo.
Category II
CATEGORY II:
The following diseases shall be reported to the patient's local health officer, or the local health officer's designee, either electronically through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease Case Report, F-44151, or by other means within 72 hours upon recognition of a case or suspected case. Public health intervention is expected as indicated. See Wis. Admin Code. § DHS 145.04(3)(b) and Wis. Stat. § 252.05.
The sexually transmitted diseases shall be reported to the local health officer within 72 hours on a Sexually Transmitted Diseases Laboratory and Morbidity Epidemiologic Case Report, F-44243 (Word fillable) or by entering the data into the WEDSS or by other means within 72 hours of the identification of a case or suspected case. Public health intervention is expected as indicated. See Wis. Admin Code § DHS 145.15 and Wis. Stat. § 252.11(7)(b).
Notes Key:
- Infectious disease or other condition designated as notifiable at the national level.
- Required Wisconsin or CDC follow-up form completed by public health agency.
- High-risk assessment by local health department is needed to determine if patient or member of patient's household is employed in food handling, daycare or health care.
- Source investigation by local or state health department is needed.
- Immediate treatment is recommended, i.e., antibiotic or biologic for the patient or contact or both.
- Coordination between local and state health departments is recommended for follow-up.
* Effective November 29, 2010, influenza-associated hospitalizations are reportable in Wisconsin within 72 hours of identification to local public health agencies.
Category III
CATEGORY III:
The following disease shall be reported to the state epidemiologist on a Wisconsin HIV Infection and AIDS Case Report Form, F-44338 or by other means within 72 hours after identification of a known or suspected case. Additionally, the following laboratory results shall be reported on all persons newly or previously diagnosed with HIV infection each time the test is conducted: all CD4+ test results (CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts and percentages), both detectable and undetectable HIV viral load results, HIV genotypic results and all components of the HIV laboratory diagnostic testing algorithm when the initial screening test is reactive. See Wis. Stat. § 252.15(7)(b) and Wis. Admin. Code § DHS 145.04(3)(b)
Case reporting methods and contact information
-
Send the case report form in an envelope marked "Confidential" to:
Scott Stokes
Wisconsin Bureau of Communicable Diseases
1 W. Wilson St., Room 265
Madison, WI 53703 -
To obtain case reporting forms, contact the HIV Program, 608-267-5287.
| Category III HIV/AIDS | Notes |
|---|---|
| Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (AIDS has been reclassified as HIV Stage III) | 1, 2, 4 |
Notes Key:
- Infectious disease or other condition designated as notifiable at the national level.
- Required Wisconsin or CDC follow-up form completed by public health agency.
- High-risk assessment by local health department is needed to determine if patient or member of patient's household is employed in food handling, daycare or health care.
- Source investigation by local or state health department is needed.
- Immediate treatment is recommended, i.e., antibiotic or biologic for the patient or contact or both.
- Coordination between local and state health departments is recommended for follow-up.
Paper Forms and Ordering Instructions
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases Laboratory and Morbidity Epidemiologic Case Report, F-44243 (Word fillable)
- Electronically order forms. Follow the instructions at the top of the page and email the order form to dhsfmdphpph@wisconsin.gov.
