Reportable conditions include diseases and health events that are required by law or regulation to be reported to public health authorities. This information supports surveillance activities and helps to inform strategies to protect and improve population health. Additionally, timely reporting helps protect communities and results in public health action.
Why is it important?
Tracking reportable conditions is important for protecting the health of communities. It helps public health agencies spot trends, find outbreaks early, and respond quickly to prevent illnesses from spreading.
The data that is collected through reporting helps public health professionals to understand who is being impacted, where diseases are occurring and what actions may be needed to keep people healthy. This can lead to the information being used to plan programs, share health information, provide data to those who need it, and make decisions that improve community health.
What is known?
Public health experts have known that tracking reportable conditions is one of the most important ways to protect community health. When diseases are reported to public health agencies, they can be monitored on how often they are occurring and where new cases are happening.
The information that is collected from cases about reportable conditions help public health agencies to understand how illnesses spread within a community. It also helps public health professionals to learn with age groups, races, ethnicities, or populations that may be impacted the most.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can be impacted by a reportable condition but there may be some people who may be at higher risk. This depends on the following:
- Age
- Health status
- Environment
- Social inequities
- Access to healthcare
While anyone can be at risk, certain groups like young children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems may be more likely to become ill from some conditions. Understanding who is impacted helps public health agencies provide support.
Reduce your risk
While anyone can be at risk, certain groups like young children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems may be more likely to become ill from some conditions. Understanding who is impacted helps public health agencies provide support.
There are many ways to reduce the risk of getting or spreading reportable conditions. That includes:
- Washing your hands regularly
- Staying up to date on recommended vaccines
- Staying home when sick
- Following guidance from healthcare providers and public health agencies
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