Communicable Disease / Epidemiology

The Communicable Disease program at the Seneca County General Health District is responsible for the prevention and management of infectious diseases in our community. This is accomplished through case identification, investigation, surveillance and education.

A communicable disease is an infection that is spread by coming in direct contact with someone or something that has been infected with bacteria, a virus or a parasite. People, animals, water and food are common sources of disease.

Disease Reporting

Certain diseases, called reportable communicable diseases, are required by law (Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 3703-3-01 through 3703-3-31) to be reported to the local health department. The law requires all labs, physicians and other healthcare providers to report all confirmed and suspect cases.

What does the health department do with these reports? All reports are reviewed. Some reports are only used for statistical purposes, but others require further investigation to determine the source of the infection to prevent the further spread of the infection.

All information reported is kept confidential.

Click the button below to see a list of reportable diseases.(Updated 10/1/2025)

Know Your ABCs: A Quick Guide to Reportable Infectious Diseases in Ohio

How to Report a Communicable Disease During Business Hours:

Our normal business hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Call the Seneca County General Health District at 419-447-3691.
When prompted, enter the Epidemiologist’s extension, 6356.
If you get a voicemail, leave a brief message and redial 419-447-3691and enter the Director of Nursing extension:6326
If you get voicemail, leave a brief message and redial 419-447-3691 and enter the main nursing extension, 6333. If there is still no answer, leave a voicemail with the information below.

Your name, title and contact number
The suspected disease
Patient demographics and any relevant details

How to Report a Communicable Disease During Non-Business Hours

Class A diseases must still be reported immediately even if it is before or after our business hours, a weekend or a major holiday.

Call the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office at 419-447-3456.
Tell the Sheriff Dispatcher that you are reporting a Class A disease and need to speak to someone from the health department. Give them your name, title and contact number.
Someone from the health department will call you back promptly.