Atlanta Communicable Disease Reporting - City Guidance

Public Health and Welfare Georgia 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Georgia

In Atlanta, Georgia, reporting certain communicable disease cases is part of public health law to protect the community. This guidance explains who must report, which diseases are typically reportable, how to submit reports, and the roles of city and state public health authorities. Use the steps below to report cases quickly and in compliance with official procedures. Where the city relies on state reporting rules, this guide directs you to the responsible offices and shows practical actions for clinics, laboratories, schools, and employers.

Report promptly to reduce transmission and avoid enforcement actions.

Reporting requirements

Providers, laboratories, and other mandated reporters in Atlanta must follow state and local reporting rules for notifiable conditions. Reporting often requires specific case information, patient identifiers, and laboratory results. If the City of Atlanta does not publish separate forms, reporters should use the Georgia Department of Public Health reporting channels identified below for official lists and submission methods.[1]

  • Who must report: clinicians, hospitals, clinical laboratories, schools, and certain employers.
  • What to report: suspected or confirmed cases of diseases listed as reportable by Georgia DPH.
  • Timing: many conditions require immediate or same-day reporting; check the official reportable diseases list for deadlines.
  • How to report: by the state electronic system, telephone, or form as specified by Georgia DPH and coordinated with City of Atlanta Public Health.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for failure to report communicable diseases generally involves public health authorities. In Atlanta, the City of Atlanta Department of Public Health coordinates with the Georgia Department of Public Health on investigations and follow-up; the Georgia DPH sets the official reportable disease list and state reporting requirements.[2]

  • Fines: specific monetary penalties for failure to report are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to isolate or exclude, public-health orders, and court actions are potential measures; exact measures are set by the enforcing agency.
  • Enforcer and inspections: enforcement and inspections are handled by Georgia DPH in coordination with City of Atlanta Public Health; complaints and reporting pathways are available via the official department pages.
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal procedures and time limits are not specified on the cited page; consult the enforcing agency for formal review timelines.
  • Defences and discretion: public health authorities may consider reasonable excuse or legal exceptions; formal permit or variance processes are not specified on the cited page.
If you are unsure whether a case is reportable, contact the listed public health office immediately.

Applications & Forms

The primary submission methods and official case report forms are published by the Georgia Department of Public Health. If City of Atlanta-specific forms exist, they are linked on the city public health page; otherwise use the state electronic reporting system or forms noted by Georgia DPH.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm the condition against the Georgia DPH reportable disease list and required timeframe.
  2. Collect required patient identifiers and laboratory results per the reporting instructions.
  3. Submit the report through the Georgia DPH electronic system or by phone as directed on the official reporting page.
  4. Cooperate with any follow-up from City of Atlanta Public Health or Georgia DPH, including investigations or isolation orders.
  5. Keep secure records of the report and communications for compliance and possible appeals.
Maintain clear documentation of every reported case to support public health follow-up.

FAQ

Who must report a communicable disease in Atlanta?
Clinicians, hospitals, laboratories, schools, and other mandated reporters must report conditions listed by Georgia DPH; City of Atlanta Public Health may also require cooperation.
How quickly must I report?
Timelines vary by disease; many require immediate or same-day reporting—check the Georgia DPH list for each condition.
What happens if I fail to report?
Enforcement may include orders, investigations, and possible penalties; specific fines or escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly using Georgia DPH channels.
  • Contact City of Atlanta Public Health for coordination and local guidance.
  • Keep accurate records of reports and communications.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Georgia Department of Public Health - Reportable diseases and reporting instructions
  2. [2] City of Atlanta Department of Public Health - contact and programs

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