Communicable Disease & Epidemiology | Fairfield County Health Department

Fairfield County Health Department (FCHD) works to keep our community healthy by tracking certain communicable diseases, watching for outbreaks, and helping prevent illness from spreading.

What we do

Review disease reports from healthcare providers and laboratories
Follow up on certain illnesses to identify possible sources
Monitor trends and look for outbreaks
Work with schools, childcare programs, healthcare facilities, and other partners
Share guidance to help prevent the spread of disease

Why we do it

To help stop the spread of infectious diseases and protect our community's health
To catch illnesses early and prevent them from becoming outbreaks
To support safe practices in schools, childcare centers, and healthcare settings
To provide timely, accurate information so people can stay healthy
To meet state and federal requirements for tracking and reporting diseases

Explore

Report a Disease Learn More > Disease Data and Reports Learn More > School & Childcare Guidance Learn More > Tuberculosis (TB) Control Learn More >

Concerned about an illness or outbreak?

Anyone can report a suspected illness or outbreak.

Suspected illness: call 740-652-2832
Suspected outbreak or multiple people ill: call 740-652-2846

For suspected food-related illness, please submit our online foodborne illness report form.

Frequently asked questions

How does the Health Department find out I am sick?

When a doctor diagnoses certain illnesses, or when a lab test is positive, the doctor or laboratory is required by law to report those illnesses to the local health department. Reports may be sent by phone, fax, or through the Ohio disease reporting system.

Why does the Health Department need to know about my illness?

Some illnesses can spread easily to others or may be linked to food, water, animals, or close contact. Reporting helps public health staff:

Protect others from getting sick
Identify outbreaks early
Monitor illnesses that may be resistant to treatment
Provide guidance to reduce spread

Why do you ask where I went or what I ate?

Some diseases spread through food, water, or close contact. Your answers help us understand how an illness may have started and whether others could be at risk.

Will my information be private?

Yes. Health information is kept private and protected by law under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We only share information when it's legally required or necessary to protect public health.

Who can I talk to if I have questions?

If you have questions about communicable diseases or reporting, call 740-652-2800 and ask to speak with a member of our communicable disease team.