Communicable diseases are those diseases that may be transmitted from person to person and are the most common cause of school absenteeism. It is important to know how communicable diseases are transmitted, diagnosed and treated and what precautions can be taken to prevent their occurrence or their spread.

The body fluids and substances of all persons should be considered potentially infectious for various diseases. While the risk of infection from several different organisms is present, the exact risk depends on a variety of factors. Many disease-causing bacteria and viruses may be carried in the body fluids of persons who have no symptoms of illness. This may be a problem because if the carrier or infected individual appears to be healthy and precautions might not be taken.

Full cooperation with the Public Health Department is expected when requested during an outbreak.

Flu
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Impetigo
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Strep Throat
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Food-borne Illness (Norovirus)
Meningitis
Fifth Disease
Ringworm
MRSA

Legal References
California Education Code Communicable Disease

Handwashing
Handwashing at home, at play, and out and about

Flu Fact Sheet
Flu symptoms: when to seek medical care