Reportable Diseases
Epidemiology plays a vital role in monitoring, preventing, investigating and controlling infectious and communicable diseases in Fayette County.
An infectious disease can be transmitted from person to person, or animal to human, by direct contact with body fluids, ingesting contaminated food or water, inhalation of contaminated air or the bite of an infected insect.
In Kentucky, health care providers and laboratories are required by law to report infectious and communicable diseases to the local health department serving the jurisdiction in which the patient resides. Each reported disease requires an investigation by the Epidemiology unit to determine a source of infection, whether additional individuals need to be contacted, and to provide education to the patient regarding their illness.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Are Caused By Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). They Are Spread Mainly By Sexual Contact. STIs Are Caused By Bacteria, Viruses Or Parasites. A Sexually Transmitted Infection May Pass From Person To Person In Blood, Semen, Or Vaginal And Other Bodily Fluids.
Other reportable diseases are diseases that are required to be reported to public health authorities for surveillance and control purposes.
Health care providers are a community’s gateway to many health services. Providers, health care systems, and pharmacists are also trusted sources of information for many people. The resources on this page can help you recognize and respond to patients’ information and communication needs.
Public Health Surveillance is the collection, investigation and distribution of data about illness and death. This surveillance helps prevent and control disease in Fayette County. Surveillance is used to protect and improve the health of the public by:
- describing disease trends
- identifying and controlling the sources of infection
- educating the public
- preventing disease
The health department can provide educational FAQ sheets on a variety of conditions that can be provided to staff, students, or employees. For information on the transmission, prevention, and treatment of communicable diseases, please call 859-899-5222 or email at epidemiology@lfchd.org.
Epidemiology endorses proper hand washing as the most effective way to stop the spread of germs. To learn more information about hand washing and proper hand washing procedure please click on the links below.
Physicians, hospitals, and laboratories report communicable diseases as required by 902 KAR 2:020 to the epidemiology unit of the health department. Qualified health department staff persons provide investigation of the cases and report the communicable diseases to the state office which reports to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Staff can be reached for reporting or for consultation using the information below.
Phone: 859-899-5222
Fax: (859) 288-7512
After-hours and weekends: (859) 335-7071
Email: epidemiology@lfchd.org for general, non-confidential information ONLY
The links below provide documents that outline the reporting process, what to report, and how to report it. In addition to the diseases listed, an outbreak of any nature is required to be reported including foodborne illnesses.
- Provider letter on reporting
- List of reportable diseases
- EPID-200 Reporting Form
- CDC Case Definitions (Not all of the conditions in the CDC Case Definitions are reportable in Kentucky. Please use the list of reportable diseases to determine what and when to report.)