Communicable Disease/Infectious Disease

Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases or transmissible diseases, are illnesses that result from the infection, presence and growth of pathogenic biologic agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, parasites and prions) in an individual human or other animal host. Infections may range in severity from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to severe and fatal. Transmission of these biologic agents can occur in a variety of ways, including direct physical contact with an infectious person, consuming contaminated foods or beverages, contact with contaminated body fluids, contact with contaminated inanimate objects, airborne (inhalation), or being bitten by an infected insect or tick. Some disease agents can be transmitted from animals to humans, and some of these agents can be transmitted in more than one way.

Some of these Communicable Diseases are required by law in Ohio to be reported to your local health department. The list of diseases that are required to be reported are found on the ODH website.