A communicable disease is an illness that can be spread from one person to another, or from an animal or insect to a person. These diseases can be transmitted through various means, such as direct contact, droplets from coughing or sneezing, contaminated food or water, or bites from infected animals or insects. Examples of communicable diseases include the flu, tuberculosis, COVID-19, and measles. Because they are easily spread, communicable diseases can lead to outbreaks if not properly controlled or prevented.
Communicable diseases are investigated through timely reporting of suspected cases done by healthcare providers, schools, and citizens. Reports are investigated by epidemiology specialists to determine case status.
Reporting of cases is important in the planning and evaluation of disease prevention and control programs, in the assurance of appropriate medical therapy, and in the detection of common-source outbreaks.
Below is a list of diseases and conditions that are reportable in the state of Missouri to the local health agency or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
