COMMUNICABLE DISEASE AND EPIDEMIOLOGY

For general communicable disease questions:
Madeline Cook, BS, Communicable Disease Specialist
Madeline.cook@fairfieldcountyohio.gov
Office: 740.652.2832
For questions about disease data and reports:
Mackenzie Kaminski, BS, Epidemiologist
Mackenzie.kaminski@fairfieldcountyohio.gov
Office: 740-652-2846
Secure fax line:
740-653-6626

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 take steps to stay healthy
  • • To meet state and federal requirements for tracking and reporting diseases

 

Concerned about an illness or outbreak?

Anyone can report a suspected illness or outbreak.

  • • Suspected illness: Please call 740-652-2832
  • • Suspected outbreak or multiple people ill: Please 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 per 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 staff member with our communicable disease team.

MONTHLY COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT
Mackenzie Kaminski, Epidemiologist
mackenzie.kaminski@fairfieldcountyohio.gov
P: 740.652.2846

The Communicable Disease Report for Fairfield County provides a comprehensive overview of various infectious diseases, categorized into several sections. The key overview of each section is:

  • • Vaccine Preventable Diseases
  • • Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  • • Invasive Diseases
  • • Zoonotic & Emerging Diseases
  • • Foodborne & Enteric Diseases
  • • Drug-Resistant Organisms
  • • Viral Hepatitis
  • • Coronavirus

These reports are released monthly and you can find the previous reports here: 


REPORT A DISEASE

Healthcare providers and laboratories are required to report certain diseases to the local health department. Use one of the options below to report a communicable disease.


Not a healthcare provider?

Anyone can report a suspected illness or outbreak.

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


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

 

SCHOOLS And CHILDCARE GUIDANCE

The Fairfield County Health Department (FCHD) works closely with schools and childcare programs to reduce the spread of illness and respond quickly to outbreaks. Guidance and required actions may vary by disease and are based on Ohio Administrative Code reporting requirements and public health recommendations.


Outbreak reporting for schools and childcare

Schools and childcare providers are required to report certain diseases and outbreaks to the health department. If you notice more illness than usual in a classroom, sports team, or facility, please contact someone from the FCHD Communicable Disease Team for guidance and next steps.

Downloadable Tools (more coming soon)


Exclusion Guidelines: 

Early Care and Education Settings: Cleaning and disinfection guidance