Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases, are illnesses caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
Communicable diseases may be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with an infected person, animal or an inanimate object such as a doorknob or table top. New and emerging communicable diseases continue to represent challenges to the public health professionals who work to control their spread.
Why Do Health Professionals Report Communicable Diseases?
Certain infectious diseases and conditions have a significant impact on the health of the community and are reportable to the Greenfield Health Department. Public Health Nurses are required by Wisconsin State Statute to complete a thorough investigation of all reportable communicable diseases.
All information obtained during an investigation is confidential and maintained in secure patient records at the Health Department.