Disease Reporting

All residents and health professionals are encouraged to report any unusual occurrence of disease or groups of people experiencing similar symptoms or conditions, including cancer.

Several Texas laws (Health & Safety Code, Chapters 81, 84, and 87) require any person having knowledge that a person is suspected of having a notifiable (reportable) condition should notify the local health authority or department and provide all information known to them concerning the illness and physical condition of such person or persons. Health care providers, hospitals, laboratories, schools, and others are required to report patients who are suspected of having a notifiable condition. (Chapter 97, Title 25, Texas Administrative Code.)

What to report
The List of Notifiable Conditions in Texas document lists the conditions/diseases that are to be reported in Texas. This document also indicates when to report each condition. Outbreaks or any unusual occurrence of a condition/disease should be reported, even if it is not listed on the List of Notifiable Conditions.

How to report
Most notifiable conditions, or other illnesses that may be of public health significance, should be reported directly to WCCHD. The public may report any condition or communicable disease event to WCCHD Monday-Friday between the hours of 8am-5pm at (512) 943-3660. For weekends, after-hours, or holidays contact the Department of State Health Services at 1-800-705-8868 or 1-800-252-8239.

For complete reporting instructions, including special conditions, see Notifiable Conditions in Texas - Reporting Instructions.

Reporting Forms
Paper reporting forms can be obtained by calling WCCHD at (512) 943-3660 or by downloading them on this website.
For a list of resources for case and outbreak investigation, and all disease reporting forms visit our Forms and Resources Library.

Laws and Regulations
Read more about disease reporting in the Texas Health & Safety Code in Chapter 81 Communicable Disease, then 81.041 Reportable Diseases.

Read more about rules in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97 governing control measures and reporting of communicable diseases.

Related Links:

HIPAA Privacy Standards

Bloodborne Pathogens (Contaminated Sharps Injuries, Needlestick Prevention).

Centers for Disease Control Norovirus Website

Texas Department of State Health Services Norovirus Website