Childhood Communicable Diseases
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 Childhood Communicable Diseases chart
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) wall chart. The complete wall chart is a color-coded, quick disease reference for those responsible for the care of children and teens in group settings. The wall chart has been divided into six disease categories, as shown below, of the most common communicable diseases affecting children. The 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.
The chart is meant only as a guide to answer questions regarding onsite control and prevention measures frequently asked of people who have responsibility for groups of children in day care centers, schools, summer camps, or other similar situations. The chart is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of significant diseases or be a comprehensive guide to all the information about each disease.
The Childhood Communicable Diseases Wall Chart was recently updated to reflect updates to disease recommendations that have occurred since the chart was originally published 10 years ago. Those updates include:
- Review of all previously listed diseases and relevant updates to disease information and exclusion criteria.
- Updated our references and aligned our recommendations with current standards developed jointly by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, and National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education.
- Addition of diseases, including Other Viral Respiratory Illnesses or Respiratory Illness of Unknown Cause and Congenital Syphilis.
- Style updates, including use of icons to distinguish reportable and vaccine preventable diseases. Removed vertical section headings and placed them horizontally in the chart for easier reading.
- Included definition of fever in footnotes.
- Added web and mobile-friendly tables of the charts to the DHS webpage with links to disease-specific resources.
The space in the lower left corner of the wall chart was retained for LTHDs to add their contact information before distributing to schools, childcare providers, sports and recreational facilities, and other child and adolescent settings.
The chart can be ordered as a 26" X 38" wall chart or printed as 8" X 11.5" PDFs of the individual sections. The individual sections are viewable below with links to more information on specific diseases.
Printable chart (8.5" X 11") Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases - Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, P-44397A (PDF)
| Disease Name (aka, causative agent) | Spread by | Incubation Period (Time from exposure to symptoms) | Signs and Symptoms | Time Period When Person is Contagious | Criteria for Exclusion from School or Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold sores (Herpes simplex virus) | Direct contact with open sores or saliva | 2 days to 2 weeks | Fever1, irritability, blisters in mouth, on gums or lips | For at least 1 week after symptoms appear; shedding of the virus at low levels is possible after symptoms resolve | Exclude until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and child is able to control drooling while blisters are present inside mouth |
| Mononucleosis (Mono, Epstein-Barr virus) | Person-to-person contact with saliva | 30–50 days | Fever1, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, enlarged liver or spleen | Many months after infection; excretion of virus can occur intermittently for life | None, unless illness prevents participation; no contact sports until spleen no longer enlarged |
| Mumps Reportable to state and local health departments Vaccine preventable (Mumps virus) | Inhalation of respiratory droplets, direct contact with saliva of infected person | 12–25 days; usually 16–18 days | Fever1, swelling and tenderness of parotid glands, headache, earache, painful swollen testicles, abdominal pain with swollen ovaries | From 2 days before to 5 days after swelling | Exclude for 5 days after swelling onset (day of swelling onset is day zero); exclude at risk2 contacts from day 12 through day 25 after exposure |
| Pink Eye (Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis) | Person-to-person; hand to eye contact with infected eye, nose or mouth secretions from infected person, or contaminated surfaces | Variable depending on causative organism | Bacterial: red/pink itchy eye(s), green/yellow eye discharge Viral: pink, swollen eye(s), light sensitivity | While signs and symptoms are present | None, unless fever1 or behavior change; antibiotics not required for return |
| Strep Throat and Scarlet Fever (Streptococcal pharyngitis, Group A Streptococcus) | Contact with infectious respiratory droplets and saliva, direct contact with mouth or nose secretions | 2–5 days | Sore throat, fever1, headache, tender swollen lymph nodes, decreased appetite, chills and sweats | Until 12 hours after initiation of appropriate antibiotic treatment | Exclude for at least 12 hours after initiation of appropriate antibiotic and fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication |
Onsite control and prevention measures
For all diseases: Good handwashing and hygiene; avoid kissing, sharing drinks, or utensils, use proper disinfection of surfaces and toys
Mumps: Provide immunization records for exposed individuals to public health officials
Strep Throat: Avoid kissing, sharing drinks, or utensils; exclude infected food handlers; minimize contact with respiratory and oral secretions
Footnotes:
= Reportable to state and local health departments = Vaccine preventable
1Fever = Temperature 100.4°F or higher, regardless of the route it is taken (mouth, rectum, armpit, ear, forehead). Only take a child’s temperature if the child seems ill.
2At risk or more likely to get sick = Persons not immunized, with compromised immune systems, or pregnant
3High risk settings = Health care, child care, food service
Three Key Criteria for Exclusion: Most childhood illnesses do not require exclusion. Caregiver/teacher should determine if the illness:
- Prevents child from participating comfortably in activities
- Results in need for care that is greater than staff can provide without compromising health and safety of other children, or
- Poses risk of spread.
If any of these criteria are met, child should be excluded regardless of the type of illness.
Printable chart (8.5" X 11") Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases - Respiratory, P-44397B (PDF)
| Disease Name (aka, causative agent) | Spread by | Incubation Period (Time from exposure to symptoms) | Signs and Symptoms | Time Period When Person is Contagious | Criteria for Exclusion from School or Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Influenza Vaccine preventable (Flu, influenza virus) | Inhalation of respiratory droplets | 1–4 days | Fever1, cough, nasal congestion, headache, body aches, fatigue | 1 day prior to and up to 5–7 days after symptoms begin | Exclude until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication |
| Pertussis Reportable to state and local health departments Vaccine preventable (Whooping cough, Bordetella pertussis) | Inhalation or direct contact of respiratory secretions | 5–21 days; usually 7–10 days | Early cold-like signs or symptoms, coughing progressing to severe, often with “whoop,” vomiting possible, absent or minimal Fever1, most severe first 6 months after birth | 7 days prior to and until 21 days after onset of cough; or 5 days after start of treatment | Exclude until after 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment; if no antibiotic treatment, exclude 21 days after cough onset |
| Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine preventable (RSV) | Inhalation or close contact with respiratory droplets or direct contact of eye, nose, or mouth discharges, or contaminated surfaces | 2–8 days; usually 4–6 days | Runny nose, cough, sneezing, wheezing, Fever1, fatigue | Duration of illness; usually 3–8 days | Exclude until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication |
| Other Viral Respiratory Illnesses or Respiratory Illness of Unknown Cause | Inhalation or direct contact of respiratory secretions | Variable | May include Fever1, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and fatigue | Variable | Exclude until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication |
Onsite control and prevention measures
For all diseases: Handwashing and good personal hygiene including covering coughs and sneezes
Pertussis: Refer symptomatic individuals to health care provider for evaluation
Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Avoid sharing linens, toys
Footnotes:
= Reportable to State and local health departments = Vaccine preventable
1Fever = Temperature 100.4°F or higher, regardless of the route it is taken (mouth, rectum, armpit, ear, forehead). Only take a child’s temperature if the child seems ill.
2At risk or more likely to get sick = Persons not immunized, with compromised immune systems, or pregnant
3High risk settings = Health care, child care, food service
Three Key Criteria for Exclusion: Most childhood illnesses do not require exclusion. Caregiver/teacher should determine if the illness:
- Prevents child from participating comfortably in activities
- Results in need for care that is greater than staff can provide without compromising health and safety of other children, or
- Poses risk of spread.
If any of these criteria are met, child should be excluded regardless of the type of illness.
Printable chart (8.5" X 11") Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases - Gastrointestinal, P-44397C (PDF)
| Disease Name (aka, causative agent) | Spread by | Incubation Period (Time from exposure to symptoms) | Signs and Symptoms | Time Period When Person is Contagious | Criteria for Exclusion from School or Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diarrhea of Unknown Cause | Fecal-oral by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and having direct contact with a sick person | Variable | 3 or more loose stools in 24–hour period, not associated with changes in diet. Stools are less formed and more frequent than usual | Variable | Exclude until asymptomatic for 48 hours |
Gastroenteritis, Bacterial Reportable to state and local health departments
| Fecal-oral by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, direct contact with a sick person, and eating or drinking contaminated food or water For bacteria other than | 1–7 days; usually 2–5 days, varies by bacteria | Mild to severe diarrhea that can be bloody, abdominal cramps, may include vomiting or fever1, asymptomatic infections possible Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe kidney complications Salmonella can cause bloodstream and urinary tract infections | While bacteria present in stool, weeks to months | Exclude until asymptomatic for 24 hours For high risk settings3 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Shigella require 2 consecutive negative fecal samples collected at least 24 hours apart and obtained at least 48 hours after antimicrobial therapy completed; |
Gastroenteritis, Parasitic Reportable to state and local health departments | Fecal-oral by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, direct contact with a sick person, eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and direct contact with animals (especially livestock) | Cryptosporidium: 3–14 days Giardia: 1–3 weeks | Acute non-bloody watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever1, anorexia and weight loss; can have recurring symptoms Giardia can cause foul smelling stools | Cryptosporidium: up to 2 weeks, months for immune-compromised; most contagious during diarrhea phase Giardia: weeks to months | Exclude until asymptomatic for 24 hours; no swimming for 2 weeks after diarrhea resolves |
Gastroenteritis, Viral | Fecal-oral by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, direct contact with a sick person, and eating or drinking contaminated food or water | 12–72 hours | Acute onset vomiting and/or non-bloody diarrhea, possible nausea, abdominal cramps, low-grade fever1, headache, malaise | While symptomatic up to 3 weeks after symptoms resolve; virus can be present before onset of diarrhea | Exclude until asymptomatic for 24 hours with rotavirus and 48 hours with norovirus |
| Hepatitis A Reportable to state and local health departments Vaccine preventable (Hepatitis A virus) | Fecal-oral by contaminated food or close personal contact | 15–50 days; average 28–30 days | Fever1, anorexia, fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, dark-brown urine; most children <6 years old not jaundiced or symptomatic | 14 days before onset of symptoms to 7–10 days after jaundice onset No jaundice: 10 days prior to 14 days after onset of symptoms | Exclude for 14 days after onset of symptoms or 10 days after onset of jaundice |
| Pinworm infection (Enterobius vermicularis) | Fecal-oral by touching contaminated objects or surfaces and direct contact with a sick person | 1–2 months or longer from time of ingestion of eggs to adult worm reaching anal area | Itching and irritation around the anal and vaginal areas | While eggs are present, eggs can remain infective 2–3 weeks in indoor environments | None, unless has diarrhea |
| Clostridium difficile infection (CDI, C. diff) | Fecal-oral by touching contaminated objects or surfaces and direct contact with a sick person | Variable; 5 days after starting antibiotic treatment to 10 weeks following completion | Mild to moderate disease: non-bloody diarrhea, low-grade fever1, mild abdominal pain; recurrent or severe disease can occur | For the duration of the diarrheal illness | Exclude until asymptomatic for 48 hours |
Onsite control and prevention measures
For all diseases: Good handwashing and hygiene; proper disposal of dirty diapers; proper disinfection of changing tables, toys, and food preparation areas; avoid potentially contaminated beverages, food, and water; divide food preparation and diapering responsibilities among staff
Diarrhea: 3 or more loose stools in a 24–hour period, not associated with changes in diet; stools are more frequent or less formed than usual; outbreaks of diarrhea (2 or more cases) in group settings are reportable by law to the local health department for management and control recommendations
Gastroenteritis–Bacterial: Proper cooking/handling of meats and raw eggs; reptiles and live poultry should not be permitted in child care centers
C. difficile, Cryptosporidium, and Norovirus: Alcohol-based hand hygiene products are not effective against these organisms; soap and water must be used
Hepatitis A: Consider Hep A vaccine for staff; exposed staff should not prepare meals for others
Pinworms: Frequent, good handwashing, particularly by infected child and staff assisting with toileting; keep fingernails clean and short; prevent fingers in mouth; bed linen and underclothing of infected child should be handled carefully, not shaken, and laundered promptly
Footnotes:
= Reportable to State and local health departments = Vaccine preventable
1Fever = Temperature 100.4°F or higher, regardless of the route it is taken (mouth, rectum, armpit, ear, forehead). Only take a child’s temperature if the child seems ill.
2At risk or more likely to get sick = Persons not immunized, with compromised immune systems, or pregnant
3High risk settings = Health care, child care, food service
Three Key Criteria for Exclusion: Most childhood illnesses do not require exclusion. Caregiver/teacher should determine if the illness:
- Prevents child from participating comfortably in activities
- Results in need for care that is greater than staff can provide without compromising health and safety of other children, or
- Poses risk of spread.
If any of these criteria are met, child should be excluded regardless of the type of illness.
Printable chart (8.5" X 11") Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases - Skin and Rash, P-44397D (PDF)
| Disease Name (aka, causative agent) | Spread by | Incubation Period (Time from exposure to symptoms) | Signs and Symptoms | Time Period When Person is Contagious | Criteria for Exclusion from School or Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth Disease (Human parvovirus B19, erythema infectiosum) | Contact with respiratory secretions | Usually 4–14 days; can be up to 21 days | Brief mild illness includes fever1, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, followed by red “slapped-cheek” rash 1–3 weeks later | Onset of symptoms until rash appears | None, unless fever1 present |
| Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (Coxsackie virus) | Contact with fecal, oral, or respiratory secretions | 3–6 days | Fever1, blisters in mouth or on palms of hands or bottom of feet, conjunctivitis, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea | 1–2 weeks for respiratory secretions; weeks to months for feces | None, unless fever1 present |
| Impetigo (Staphylococcus aureus, Group A Streptococcus) | Direct contact with lesions or contaminated objects | 4–10 days | Small red pimples or fluid-filled blisters, crusted yellow scabs on face or body | Until lesions are treated with antibiotics for at least 24 hours or crusting lesions resolved | Exclude until after initiation of appropriate antibiotic treatment; Keep lesions covered until dry and crusted |
| Lice (Pediculosis) | Direct head to head contact with infested hair or contaminated objects | 4–6 weeks after first infestation 1–6 weeks previously infected with lice | Itching scalp, especially behind ears and back of neck; many children are asymptomatic | While live lice present | Exclude at end of program or school day until after treatment or removal of live lice; “no-nit” policies are discouraged |
| Measles Reportable to state and local health departments Vaccine preventable (Rubeola, measles virus) | Inhalation or direct contact of respiratory secretions | 7–21 days; usually 10 days from exposure to fever1, 14 days to rash | Blotchy red rash at hairline or on face that extends over body, watery eyes, runny nose, high fever1, dry cough, diarrhea or ear infections | 4 days prior to 4 days after rash appears | Exclude for 4 days after rash onset; exposed at risk2 individual from day 7 through day 21 following their earliest exposure |
| Ringworm (fungal infection, dermatophytosis, tinea) | Direct contact with lesions on animals or humans, or contaminated objects/ surfaces | Usually 1–3 weeks | Skin: red, circular patches with raised edges, center clearing, cracking/peeling of skin between toes Scalp: dandruff-like scaling patchy areas with or without hair loss, redness | As long as lesions are present or until treatment begins | Exclude until treatment is initiated or lesions are covered |
| Roseola (Human herpesvirus 6, exanthem subitum) | Inhalation or direct contact of respiratory droplets; most children infected by age 4; 75% of healthy adults shed virus in saliva | 9–10 days | 3–7 days high fever1 followed by red, raised rash for hours to several days, febrile seizures possible in children <4 years old | Unknown | Exclude until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication |
| Rubella Reportable to state and local health departments Vaccine preventable (Rubella virus) | Inhalation of droplets, or direct contact of nose or throat secretions; transmission from mother to fetus across placenta | 14–21 days; usually 16–18 days | Low-grade fever1, pinkish rash appearing first on face then spreading over body, enlarged lymph glands behind ears, transient joint aches/pain in older children and adults Many children have minimal symptoms | 7 days before until 7 days after rash onset | Exclude until 7 days after rash onset; exposed at risk2 individual from day 7 through day 21 following earliest exposure |
| Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei, mite infestation) | Prolonged person-to person contact, contaminated bedding, towels, clothing | 2–6 weeks; usually 4–6 weeks; 1–4 days if previously infected | Intense itching (especially at night), red bumps or blisters most commonly found on skin folds | Until mites and eggs are destroyed, usually after initial topical treatment | Exclude until treatment is complete |
| Shingles Vaccine preventable (Herpes zoster, varicella-zoster virus) | Direct contact with blister fluid to only those at risk to chickenpox | None: Reactivated chickenpox | Red bumps and blisters that may be itchy or painful, usually in narrow area on half of body, can cause fever1, chills, headache, upset stomach | Usually 7–10 days; until blisters crust over | Exclude if rash cannot be covered or doubt child’s ability to comply with keeping rash covered until blisters crust over; exclusion of exposed at risk2 usually not mandated, families should be notified of risk |
| Staph Skin Infection, including MRSA (Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus) | Person-to-person, contaminated objects | Variable; can be up to several months | Red, swollen, pus-filled sores or boils | During active draining of sores or boils | Exclude if drainage from sores cannot be contained, until sores are dry |
| Varicella Reportable to state and local health departments Vaccine preventable (Chickenpox, varicella-zoster virus) | Inhalation or direct contact of respiratory secretions, skin lesions, or contaminated objects | 10–21 days; usually 14–16 days | Generalized rapidly progressing itchy rash, blisters that crust, mild fever1, malaise | 2 days prior to rash onset to 5 days after rash resolves or until lesions crusted over | Exclude until lesions have dried and crusted; exclusion of exposed at risk2 usually not mandated, families should be notified of risk |
Onsite control and prevention measures
For all diseases: Good handwashing and hygiene; proper disinfection of changing tables, surfaces, and toys
Measles, Rubella, Shingles and Varicella: Assess exposure risk to at risk2 and high risk2 persons; provide immunization records of exposed individuals to public health officials; consultation with public health official recommended
Measles and Varicella: Contacts without documented immunity (2 doses of vaccine or laboratory proof of immunity) should be vaccinated
Rubella: Exposed pregnant women should immediately contact their physician
Impetigo: Keep fingernails clean and short
Lice and Scabies:
- Avoid sharing and storing together personal items such as headgear, combs, clothing, and bedding
- Machine wash clothing, bedding, or cloth toys in water over 129°F and dry on hot setting; dry cleaning or storing clothing in plastic bags for 10 days is also effective in killing mites, lice, and nymphs
MRSA: Cover sores; avoid contact with wound drainage; proper disposal of dressings; no sharing of personal items; clean and disinfect athletic equipment between uses; wash and dry laundry on “hot” setting
Ringworm: Avoid direct contact, avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, clothing, towels; proper disinfection of surfaces and toys with a fungicidal agent
Scabies: Itching may continue for several weeks following treatment, and is not an indicator of treatment failure
Footnotes:
= Reportable to State and local health departments = Vaccine preventable
1Fever = Temperature 100.4°F or higher, regardless of the route it is taken (mouth, rectum, armpit, ear, forehead). Only take a child’s temperature if the child seems ill.
2At risk or more likely to get sick = Persons not immunized, with compromised immune systems, or pregnant
3High risk settings = Health care, child care, food service
Three Key Criteria for Exclusion: Most childhood illnesses do not require exclusion. Caregiver/teacher should determine if the illness:
- Prevents child from participating comfortably in activities
- Results in need for care that is greater than staff can provide without compromising health and safety of other children, or
- Poses risk of spread.
If any of these criteria are met, child should be excluded regardless of the type of illness.
Printable chart (8.5" X 11") Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases - Meningitis, P-44397E (PDF)
| Disease Name (aka, causative agent) | Spread by | Incubation Period (Time from exposure to symptoms) | Signs and Symptoms | Time Period When Person is Contagious | Criteria for Exclusion from School or Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bacterial Meningitis Reportable to state and local health departments Vaccine preventable
| Direct person-to person contact with saliva and respiratory secretions | Hib: Usually 2–4 days Meningococcal disease: 2–10 days; usually 3–4 days Pneumococcal disease: Usually 1–4 days | May include: sudden onset of fever1, headache, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting Rash and photophobia also common with N. meningitidis | 7 days prior to onset until 24 hours after treatment begins | Exclude for at least 24 hours after appropriate antibiotic treatment begins |
| Viral Meningitis (Usually enterovirus) | Inhalation or contact with droplets from nose, eyes, or mouth; fecal-oral | 3–6 days | May include: sudden onset of fever1, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting Respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms may occur before symptoms of meningitis | From day before illness up to 2 weeks after onset | Exclude until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications |
Onsite control and prevention measures
For all diseases: Good handwashing and hygiene; cover coughs and sneezes; avoid direct saliva contact and sharing drinks, utensils, and water bottles
Hib bacteria: Ensure contacts under age 4 are up-to-date on vaccination after exposure or treated with antibiotics
Meningococcal meningitis: Direct saliva contacts should receive antibiotic treatment immediately
Pneumococcal meningitis: Treatment of contacts not necessary and not beneficial
Viral meningitis: Proper disinfection of surfaces such as changing tables with soap, water, and bleach-containing solution; treatment of contacts not necessary, no specific treatment
Footnotes:
= Reportable to State and local health departments = Vaccine preventable
1Fever = Temperature 100.4°F or higher, regardless of the route it is taken (mouth, rectum, armpit, ear, forehead). Only take a child’s temperature if the child seems ill.
2At risk or more likely to get sick = Persons not immunized, with compromised immune systems, or pregnant
3High risk settings = Health care, child care, food service
Three Key Criteria for Exclusion: Most childhood illnesses do not require exclusion. Caregiver/teacher should determine if the illness:
- Prevents child from participating comfortably in activities
- Results in need for care that is greater than staff can provide without compromising health and safety of other children, or
- Poses risk of spread.
If any of these criteria are met, child should be excluded regardless of the type of illness.
Printable chart (8.5" X 11") Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases - Sexually Transmitted Diseases, P-44397F (PDF)
| Disease Name (aka, causative agent) | Spread by | Incubation Period (Time from exposure to symptoms) | Signs and Symptoms | Time Period When Person is Contagious | Criteria for Exclusion from School or Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chlamydia Reportable to state and local health departments Gonorrhea Reportable to state and local health departments | Sexual contact, infants at delivery, eye mucus or discharge | 2–14 days or longer for chlamydia | Neonatal conjunctivitis, pneumonia, genital tract infections, purulent discharge from urethra/cervix, ectopic pregnancy, PID, may be asymptomatic | Until 2 weeks after treatment begins or months if untreated | None |
| Chancroid Reportable to state and local health departments (Haemophilus ducrey) | Sexual contact, contact with sore(s) | 3–5 days | Painful genital ulcers, tender glands | 1–2 weeks after treatment begins | None |
| Congenital Syphilis Reportable to state and local health departments (Treponema pallidum) | Through the bloodstream from a pregnant person with syphilis to their baby in the womb | Anytime during pregnancy | Babies may not have symptoms or have a rash, rhinitis (sniffles), white patches in the mouth, deformed teeth or bones, severe low blood count, enlarged liver or spleen, jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes); miscarriage or stillbirth | Babies can become infected if the pregnant person has an untreated infection during pregnancy; babies are unlikely to spread the infection to others | None |
| Herpes Simplex (Herpes simplex virus) | Skin-to-skin contact, such as during kissing; oral, anal, and vaginal sex and sexual contact, infants at vaginal delivery | 2–12 days | Blisters on/around genitals, rectum, mouth; may recur | Most infectious 2–7 weeks after primary infection; even if a person does not have any symptoms, they can still be infectious | None |
| HPV Vaccine preventable (Human papillomavirus) | Sexual contact or contact with cutaneous warts | 3 months to several years | Flat/raised skin warts, cauliflower-like warts in anogenital area | Unknown | None |
| Syphilis Reportable to state and local health departments (Treponema pallidum) | Sexual contact, contact with sore(s) | 10–90 days | Painless genital sore, rash on body, palms of hands, bottoms of feet, sores or white patches on mouth or vagina | 1–2 weeks after treatment begins or months to years if untreated; most contagious when sores are present | None |
Onsite control and prevention measures
For all diseases: Prevent others from touching lesions and discharge; maintain good hand and personal hygiene
Footnotes:
= Reportable to State and local health departments ; = Vaccine preventable
1Fever = Temperature 100.4°F or higher, regardless of the route it is taken (mouth, rectum, armpit, ear, forehead). Only take a child’s temperature if the child seems ill.
2At risk or more likely to get sick = Persons not immunized, with compromised immune systems, or pregnant
3High risk settings = Health care, child care, food service
Three Key Criteria for Exclusion: Most childhood illnesses do not require exclusion. Caregiver/teacher should determine if the illness:
- Prevents child from participating comfortably in activities
- Results in need for care that is greater than staff can provide without compromising health and safety of other children, or
- Poses risk of spread.
If any of these criteria are met, child should be excluded regardless of the type of illness.
WCCD wall chart (26" X 38") is available, at no cost, through your local or Tribal health department, DHS regional office, or by email request.
- Preview the Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases wall chart, P-44397 (PDF)
- Order the wall chart by email request. For local and Tribal health departments, there is a preferred minimum of 15 wall charts per order and order in increments of 15 when requesting directly through DHS.
- Fill out DHS request form F-80025a.
- Include the publication number (P-44397) and the title (Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases wall chart).
- Email the request to the DPH Forms Manager at dhsfmorder@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Preventing childhood communicable diseases
Decrease childhood communicable diseases by taking proactive measures. Some ways to decrease transmission are:
- Vaccinations
- Keeping the environment clean
Both of these are inexpensive and highly effective ways to stop the spread of diseases among children.