Communicable Disease Information

When children and teens are together in group settings such as schools, child care facilities, camps, and sporting activities, some disease-causing germs are easily spread among them. Communicable diseases are those diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and protozoa that are passed from one person to another. It is important to recognize when someone in a group setting is sick with a communicable disease so steps can be taken to obtain medical care and prevent the spread of disease to others.
 
Wisconsin Department of Health Services revised and combined the Wisconsin Communicable Disease Chart and the Childhood Day Care Exclusion Criteria to create the Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases (WCCD) chart. The complete chart is a color-coded, quick disease reference for those responsible for the care of children and teens in group settings.

The chart has been divided into six categories of the most common communicable diseases affecting children. The category charts include how the diseases are spread, incubation period (time of exposure to symptoms), signs and symptoms, time period when person is contagious, and criteria for exclusion from school or group.

Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases Chart

Public health authorities recommend that teenagers and college-bound students be immunized against a potentially fatal bacterial infection called meningococcal disease, a type of meningitis.

Learn more.


The AASD adheres to health policies and disease control procedures for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of all students and employees. These procedures will be maintained in cooperation with city, county, and state health departments and in accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes. When a reportable communicable disease is known or suspected within the school environment, the District will contact the appropriate health department.

Board Policy 453.3  Communicable Diseases