What is the main function of the Communicable Disease Program?
 There are more than 70 infectious diseases and conditions (see attached list) that are able to be passed from one person to another (communicable) and/or diseases and conditions that pose a risk to the public’s health in general are required by the Illinois Department of Public Health to be reported to the local health department. The communicable disease program investigates each individual report and contacts either the individual who has the disease or condition, the medical provider caring for the individual and/or any others who may be at risk.

Additionally, the Communicable Disease Program promotes and provides immunizations that prevent or lessen the chance of individuals from acquiring certain diseases.

How does the Communicable Disease Program receive the reports?
The following persons are required by Illinois law to report:
Physicians & Dentists                             
Laboratory personnel
Nurses & Nurses Aids                             
School personnel
Health care practitioners                        
College /university personnel
Long-term care personnel                                  
Day care personnel

However, any individual can actually report if they suspect there is an individual in the community that has one of the reportable diseases or conditions by calling 630-208-3801.  The communicable disease program staff will not however, launch an investigation unless this suspicion can be confirmed.

How is this information used to protect the public?
Reporting of the specific diseases and conditions allows the health department to monitor the disease burden in the county. Outbreaks and clusters of illness for example foodborne outbreaks or pertussis are more easily detected with the reporting system in place.  On a smaller scale, the investigation conducted by the health department can result in limiting transmission from person to person even within a single family. Recommendations for treatments such as antibiotics or prevention measures such as vaccines or healthy practices are made by the Communicable Disease Program staff. Additionally, they also enforce work and school restrictions to limit exposure of others.

What does the health department do with the information generated from an investigation?
Locally, the statistics gathered are reported to the Kane County Public Health Committee on a monthly basis. No personal or identifying information such as name, address, sex are released. Additionally, the information as required by law is reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The Illinois Department of Health in turn forwards the statistical information to the Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention.  It is the policy of the Communicable Disease Program at the local and state level to maintain the confidentiality of individuals.  Identifying information obtained during reporting and investigation is not released to the public and the health departments operate within the limitations set forth in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

What Should I do if I suspect I have a communicable disease or have been exposed to a communicable disease?
To protect yourself and others around you seek medical evaluation. Without the evaluation of a medical provider and in many cases without laboratory testing it is not possible to determine if you have a disease.

How can I find out if I am up to date with recommended immunizations?
Call the Immunization Programs Bee Wize Immunize Line at 866-233-9493 or 630-264-7665.

Visit our Communicable Disease page for more information