Report a Communicable Disease

What is a communicable disease?

A communicable disease is an illness that is contagious.

  • You can catch an illness through close contact with a sick person or through the air. 
  • You can get sick by touching objects the sick person has touched. 
  • Some diseases come from food, water, or animal bites.

What happens if I catch a contagious disease?

If you happen to catch a disease listed below, your doctor will let the the Health Department know. We will reach out to you to:

  • Find out where you may have gotten the illness
  • Help you understand how to avoid spreading the illness to others
  • Explain how to get better 

We may contact you more than once. Your conversations with us are confidential.

Why does my doctor have to tell the Health Department? 

It's the law. This law exists to help stop the illness from spreading to more people. (You can read the law here:  10A NCAC 41A .0101 — Reportable Diseases and Conditions (PDF)  opens in a new window).

Information for health care providers

Provider on the phone while reviewing a medical chart
Providers can report by form, fax, or phone.

Which diseases must be reported?

Disease names, A – G

Disease names, H – Z

*Notes about Tuberculosis (TB)

  • We offer TB screening and testing at the Health Department. Your test may be free if you meet certain criteria.
  • We also provide treatment and follow-up care for TB and Latent TB (LTBI). Medications are free.

The Health Department has vaccines for many of the diseases listed above. 

Contact 

Call (919) 245-2425 and ask to speak with a Communicable Disease Nurse.