Report Communicable Diseases in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Public Health and Welfare Minnesota 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Minnesota

In Saint Paul, Minnesota, health providers, laboratories, and facilities must follow state and local reporting rules for communicable diseases. This guide explains who must report, how to submit a notification, which agencies enforce reporting, and what to expect after a report. Use the Minnesota Department of Health and Ramsey County Public Health resources to confirm current lists of reportable conditions and official submission methods.MN Department of Health reportable diseases[1] and Ramsey County communicable diseases[2].

Reportable conditions must be reported promptly to protect public health.

Who must report

Providers, laboratories, hospitals, school health officials, and certain institutional administrators are typically required to report suspected or confirmed cases of reportable communicable diseases to public health authorities. If you are unsure whether a condition is reportable, consult the state list and the county guidance linked above.[1]

When and how to report

Report according to the timelines on the official lists: some diseases require immediate phone notification, others require electronic or written reporting within a defined period. If a rapid response is required, use the public health phone contacts provided by Ramsey County.

  • Identify the case and confirm the suspected diagnosis.
  • Call local public health for immediate-report conditions.
  • Submit required forms or electronic reports as specified by MDH or Ramsey County.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for failure to report communicable diseases is led by Ramsey County Public Health and the Minnesota Department of Health. The official pages used for this guide do not list specific monetary fines on the cited pages; any fine amounts or criminal penalties are not specified on the cited pages.[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: public health orders, isolation or quarantine orders, and court enforcement actions may be used; specific procedures are described by local health authorities.
  • Enforcer: Ramsey County Public Health and Minnesota Department of Health perform investigations, inspections, and enforcement.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: contact Ramsey County Public Health for complaints or inspections.
  • Appeals and review: procedural appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; contact the enforcing agency for appeal instructions.

Applications & Forms

Required reporting forms and electronic systems are published by the Minnesota Department of Health and by Ramsey County Public Health. Specific form names, submission addresses, deadlines, and fees (if any) are listed on the official pages cited above; if a specific form number or fee is required and not visible, it is not specified on the cited page.[1]

Action steps after you report

  • Document the date and method of your report and keep a copy of any submitted form.
  • Cooperate with contact tracing or inspection requests from public health investigators.
  • Follow isolation, exclusion from work/school, or infection-control guidance issued by authorities.
Keep patient confidentiality while ensuring public health authorities receive necessary information.

FAQ

Who must report a case to public health?
Healthcare providers, laboratories, hospitals, and certain institutional staff must report suspected or confirmed cases as defined by state and county rules.
How quickly must I report?
Some conditions require immediate phone notification; others allow electronic or written reporting within specified days—check the state and county lists for timing.
What happens if I fail to report?
Local and state health agencies may take enforcement action; specific fines or penalties are not listed on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the condition appears on the Minnesota reportable diseases list.
  2. If the condition requires immediate notification, call Ramsey County Public Health.
  3. Complete and submit the required report form or electronic notification to MDH or Ramsey County.
  4. Retain documentation of the report and follow public health instructions for isolation, treatment, and contact tracing.

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly to protect public health and comply with state and county rules.
  • Ramsey County Public Health and MDH are the enforcing authorities for Saint Paul.
  • Use official MDH and Ramsey County resources to find current lists, forms, and contact details.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] MN Department of Health - Reportable and Notifiable Diseases
  2. [2] Ramsey County - Communicable Diseases

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