Long term care facilities, LTCF are required to report all suspected and confirmed outbreaks to their local health jurisdiction,LHJ per Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-101-305. The goal of reporting is to prevent further spread of disease by implementing appropriate control measures.
How to report to the Communicable Disease Program:
(1) Fax the disease specific report form to 564.397.8080 (secure fax)
- Influenza
- Gastrointestinal Illness
(2) Call the Communicable Disease Program (Ph: 564.397.8182) for any questions.
Disease specific toolkits:
Influenza:
- Influenza Outbreak Preparation and Management Guide
- Influenza Outbreak in LTCF Frequently Asked Questions
- Influenza Outbreak Sample Line List
- Tamiflu Standing Orders Template
- Influenza FAQ
- WA State DOH Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza Outbreaks in LTCF
- CDC Guidance for Antiviral Agents
- Managing Influenza Outbreaks in LTCF (Oregon Patient Safety Commission)
Viral Gastroenteritis (VGE):
- VGE Outbreak Preparation and Management
- VGE Outbreak Sample Line List
- CDC Key Infection Control Recommendations
- CDC Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Norovirus Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Healthcare Settings
- CDC Norovirus outbreak control resource toolkit (lots of printable materials)
- EPA Registered Disinfectants Effective Against Norovirus
- Norovirus Training for Environmental Cleaning Staff (Oregon Patient Safety Commission)