Communicable Disease Reporting Resource Manual for
Schools and Child Care Centers
Introduction
This manual is designed as an easy-to-use reference for individuals responsible for preventing and controlling infectious diseases, meeting required disease reporting obligations, and supporting emergency preparedness in school and child care settings.
Educational and child care environments are especially susceptible to the spread of infectious diseases and may be vulnerable during natural disasters or intentional public health emergencies. These situations have significant personal, public health, economic, and social impacts.
We encourage you to view your local health department as a partner and resource, working in coordination with the Illinois Department of Public Health. The Kane County Health Department values schools and child care facilities as essential partners in protecting and promoting community health.
Steps to Prevent and Control Communicable Diseases
1. Limit the Spread of Germs
- Promote hand hygiene. Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent infection.
- Encourage proper respiratory hygiene (cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow; use and dispose of tissues properly).
- Ensure required immunizations are up to date and encourage recommended vaccines for children and staff.
- Exclude ill children and staff when indicated.
- Reduce crowding and maintain proper ventilation.
- Clean and disinfect toys, furniture, and eating, toileting, and diapering areas regularly.
- Keep personal items separate.
- Do not share food, utensils, or drinking containers.
- Promote appropriate use of antibiotics.
2. Report Communicable Diseases
Report diseases and conditions to the Kane County Health Department in accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health Rules and Regulations for the Control of Communicable Diseases.
3. Encourage Healthy Habits
Promote adequate rest, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and good personal hygiene. Discourage tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.
4. Practice Food Safety
Follow proper food handling, cleaning, cooking, and storage practices.
5. Practice Animal Safety
Avoid contact with wild animals and use caution around unfamiliar domestic animals. Implement proper hygiene measures after animal contact or visits to animal environments.
References
- Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), APIC Text of Infection Control & Epidemiology
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases (33rd ed., 2024–2027)
- Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools: A Quick Reference Guide
- Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 6th ed.
Disclaimer
This manual provides general guidance. Individual situations may require professional judgment beyond the scope of this document. Users should not rely solely on this publication for disease management decisions and are encouraged to consult the listed references and remain informed of updated recommendations on communicable disease prevention and control.
