Weekly communicable disease reports submitted by schools and childcare facilities are very important in helping the Jackson County Health Department (JCHD) monitor the health of our community. It allows us to monitor flu-like illness, gastrointestinal illness and strep throat which normally occur every year and also helps us to recognize higher than normal disease levels, which could indicate possible outbreaks.

Individual reports of serious communicable diseases like pertussis or mumps allow the JCHD to alert those who may have been exposed to the disease, recommend vaccination and treatment as needed, and provide information to the public.

 Schools and Childcare facilities are required by law to submit weekly communicable disease reports, in accordance with the Michigan's Public Health Code 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, section 333.511 of Michigan Compiled laws.