The Division of Epidemiology - Disease Surveillance and Investigation coordinates with the School Health Nursing Program to monitor infectious diseases in District of Columbia schools. When a reportable communicable disease is confirmed or suspected among students, faculty, and staff members, a protocol is in place to monitor and minimize the spread of infectious diseases.

How to report a case?

For School and Child Development Facility Nurses and Staff

• Refer to the list of Notifiable Diseases in the District of Columbia to determine which illnesses are reportable
• Refer to the Communicable Disease Reference Guide for guidance by disease for when a child may be excluded from school, and what documentation is required for their return.
• Review the School Nurse Disease Surveillance and Reporting Protocol
• Refer to Considerations to Prevent the Transmission of Infectious Disease in Schools.
• Report any unusual number of cases (3 cases or more that occur within 7 days) of illness whether reportable or not
  • Gastrointestinal line list template to keep track of case information for gastrointestinal illness 
    • Review the Guidelines for Facilities During Outbreaks of Norovirus/Gastroenteritis: Recommendations and Precautions
  • Influenza line list template to keep track of case information for influenza
  • Outbreak Tracking line list template to keep track of case information for all other illnesses
• Notifiable diseases should be reported using the Epidemiology Investigation Team (EIT) Portal
• Please contact us via phone at (202) 442-5865 during office hours or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions at any time

Note: Cases of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases should be reported to the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration (HAHSTA).

For Parents or Guardians

• Please consult a health care provider if your child gets sick
• Report the illness to the school/child care center if your child is diagnosed with a disease
• Provide any available supporting documents (such as the return to school slip signed by a physician, discharge document or picture of the prescribed medication) to the school/child care center
• Keep your child at home when recommended to prevent the spread of illness

Other Helpful Resources

• View a complete list of disease fact sheets offered by the Division of Epidemiology- Disease Surveillance and Investigation.
• View tips and recommendations to help your children stay healthy
• View additional information about the School Health Nursing Program