Communicable Disease

Focusing on Prevention

Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by viruses or bacteria that people spread to one another through contact with contaminated surfaces, bodily fluids, insect bites, or through the air. Monitoring and controlling communicable disease is a core public health function. WAC 246-100 and WAC 246-101 adopted under Chapter 43.20 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) authorizes the Public Health Department to take steps to protect our communities from communicable diseases. We help reduce illness by taking the following actions:

• Investigate notifiable conditions reported by health professionals.
• Conduct surveillance for communicable diseases.
• Serve as a resource for healthcare providers, childcare centers, long term care, and school districts.
• Educate providers, policymakers, and community members.

Find health guidance for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on our Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses Webpage.

Visit our Provider Resources Webpage for guidance, disease reporting info, and updates.