Disease, Outbreak, & Animal Bite Reporting
Reporting and monitoring disease outbreaks are key to preventing illness in the community. Learn who is required to report diseases and outbreaks, and how to report them.
Reporting Outbreaks Saves Lives
The Adams County Health Department is committed to preventing and managing infectious diseases, and you play an important role. We monitor and investigate various diseases that could be spread from people and animals, through water, by food, or from the environment.
Reporting a Disease, Outbreak, or Animal Bite
Required Reporting
- By law, certain professions and entities are required to report diseases to public health agencies.
- You can also report needle sticks and accidental breast milk feeding, and other reportable diseases by contacting Communicable Disease Epidemiology at 720.769.7600 or disease@adcogov.org.
Managing Outbreaks
- Our team investigates disease outbreaks in long-term care facilities, child care, food service, schools, public spaces, and other group settings to identify the cause and control the spread.
- Outbreak Management Resources
(Infectious disease guidelines) - Diseases in Child Care and Schools
- Outbreak Management Resources
When, What, and How To Report An Outbreak
- Report an outbreak when you notice more illness than normal, or suspect an outbreak.
- Report an outbreak of flu, COVID-19, RSV, or any other respiratory disease by using our Reporting Outbreaks Form.
- For all other outbreaks, contact Communicable Disease Epidemiology at 720.769.7600 or disease@adcogov.org.
Animal Bites Must be Reported
- We work closely with Riverdale Animal Shelter, providers, hospitals, and animal control partners to investigate possible exposure to rabies. The most effective ways to prevent rabies are to vaccinate pets, avoid contact with wildlife, and report animal bites to your local health department.
- Report an animal bite (for providers and medical professionals)
- Find your local animal control agency
- Report exposure to wildlife by calling 720.769.7600
Contact the Communicable Disease Epidemiology Team
For emergency medical services, call 911. For other urgent public health matters or immediate reporting, please contact 720.769.7600 during business hours.