Diseases of Public Health Significance (Reportable to Public Health)

School principals are required, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., 1990, Chapter H7, to report any student that is suspected or confirmed to be ill with a disease of public health significance to the Medical Officer of Health.

Download the Diseases of Public Health Significance List .

How to report a disease of public health significance

Call the Reportable Disease and Outbreak Reporting Line at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4752. After business hours, on weekends and on statutory holidays, call 1-877-884-8653.

When reporting, include the following details:

  • Student’s name
  • Parent/guardian’s name
  • Date of birth
  • Disease (specify if suspect or confirmed)
  • Student’s address
  • Telephone number for parent/guardian and/or students 14 years of age or older
  • Physician‘s name (if known)
  • Name of person reporting, school and contact information 

Our role includes:

  • Investigating and managing reports of diseases of public health significance
  • Making recommendations to healthcare providers on managing cases (people who get sick) and contacts of cases
  • Offering immunization and recommendations on preventative medication/immunization for case contacts (people in contact with those who are sick)
  • Providing guidelines for how long sick students and staff should be kept home from school or work
  • Providing advisories for diseases of public health significance to the school for students, parents and staff