Notifiable Diseases

Certain infectious diseases and the detection of specific pathogens must be reported to the health department. Notifications are usually made by doctors, laboratories, or community institutions. The reporting obligation enables the health department to detect infection events early and - if necessary - initiate protective measures. Which diseases and pathogens must be reported is primarily regulated in §§ 6 and 7 of the IfSG.

What are our tasks?

·Contacting infected or affected individuals

·Investigating possible infection routes

·Advising on necessary protective and hygiene measures

·Initiating measures to protect others

·Identifying and investigating outbreaks

·Advising daycare centers, schools, care facilities, medical institutions, and other community institutions

The required measures are always assessed based on the specific disease and the concrete situation.

Infections that health departments often deal with include, for example:

·Gastrointestinal infections, e.g., caused by noroviruses or Campylobacter

·Influenza

·Whooping cough

·Chickenpox

·Hepatitis B and C

Additionally, there are numerous other reportable diseases and pathogens