The Shawnee County Health Department Infectious Disease Program is responsible for investigation reportable diseases that occur in Shawnee County as well as outbreaks of any disease, which occur in healthcare facilities, schools or childcare facilities. The focus of the investigation is to determine possible sources of exposure, educate the individual about the disease and ways to prevent spreading it to others.
Mandated reporters are required to notify public health regarding patients with a suspected or confirmed reportable disease/condition; all reports are confidential and shall not be disclosed or made public.
Urgent diseases, outbreaks, unusual occurrence of any disease, exotic or newly recognized diseases, suspect acts of terrorism, or unexplained deaths due to an unidentified infectious agent can be reported 24/7 to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317.