Notifiable Conditions

By law, notifiable conditions must be reported to local and state health departments. This helps track, detect, and respond to diseases and outbreaks for public protection. You can view the updated list of Notifiable Conditions and reporting guidelines at theTexas Department of State Health Services

Disease Surveillance

Midland Health Services engages in public health surveillance, defined as the systematic collection, analysis, and use of data to improve public health practices. Texas laws (Health and Safety Code, 84,and 87) require reporting of notifiable conditions to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Healthcare providers, hospitals, labs, schools, and others must report suspected cases (Chapter 97, Title 25, Texas Administrative Code).

Under HIPAA Section 164.512(b), covered entities can release private health information to public health authorities for disease prevention and control. This includes reporting diseases, public health investigations, and interventions.

Reporting

Report cases or suspected cases of public health emergencies, outbreaks, exotic diseases, or unusual illness clusters to the Midland Health Department immediately. For other diseases requiring prompt response, report within one working day. All other conditions should be reported within one week. For guidance, refer to the Infectious Disease Report Form on our website.

After investigation, the Midland Health Department forwards completed cases to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Infectious Disease Control Unit.

Quick Facts About Communicable Diseases

1. Communicable diseases spread between people or from animals to people.
2. Spreading often occurs through airborne viruses or bacteria and bodily fluids.
3. Terms like "infectious" and "contagious" are also used to describe these diseases.