Wood County, Wisconsin

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Communicable Disease

Communicable diseases, sometimes called infectious diseases, are illnesses caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Infectious diseases remain a major cause of illness, disability, and death. Some communicable diseases are reported to Public Health by physicians, clinics, family members or the ill person. Local health departments offer investigation, education, and control measures to assure the safety of the individual, family, and community.

To report a communicable disease or public health emergency, please call 715-421-8911.

For additional information related to communicable disease:
List of Diseases and Conditions

Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases.pdf

Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory llnesses are primarily spread to others by respiratory droplets and aerosols when an infected person breathes, speaks, sings, coughs, or sneezes. They can also be spread by contact - either with the infected person (like kissing or shaking hands), or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. These viruses can survive on surfaces for many hours.

Additional information:



Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites and do not always cause symptoms or may cause mild symptoms so you may have an infection and not know it. STI’s affect both men and women and can cause health problems. You should talk to a health care provider if you think you should be tested.

The local health department follows up with people reported to have a sexually transmitted infection. Education, intervention and prevention for future occurrences is discussed, everything talked about is confidential.

Additional information::



Measles

There has been a rapid increase in measles (rubeola) cases across the United States. 712 cases have been reported across multiple states (Centers for Disease Control, 2025). Most of these cases have been in Texas.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that typically begins with symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth, and a rash. In some cases, severe complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even death can occur, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals.

Additional information::