- CONTACT INFORMATION
- 806-378-6300
- 806-378-6306
-
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday
7:30 am – 6:00 pm -
Main Office:
1000 Martin Rd
Amarillo, TX 79107 -
Clinic:
850 Martin Rd
Amarillo, TX 79107
Communicable Disease information
The Communicable Disease department at Amarillo Public Health monitors and reports communicable diseases of concern in Potter and Randall County including flu, RSV, COVID-19, food borne illness (salmonella and others), water borne illness (Campylobacter and others), vaccine preventable diseases (Varicella, measles and others), hospital acquired illnesses, animal bites and other emerging acute and infectious diseases (Mpox and others). The communicable disease team also provides education to the community regarding communicable diseases.
Public Health Communicable Disease Contact Information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 806-378-6353
- Fax: 806-378-6306
- Office Hours & Location: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm | 1000 Martin Road, Amarillo, TX 79107
- 24/7 Healthcare Provider Reporting for Immediately Notifiable Communicable Diseases: 806-680-8980
Communicable Disease Clinical Services
- Lice Checks — Provides clearance for children to attend school or preschool.
- Rabies Post-Exposure Vaccination — Contact the Communicable Disease Department by phone at 806-378-6353 for details.
- Rare Disease Testing — Available when advised by the Amarillo Public Health Authority.
Required Disease Reporting
The Texas Health and Safety Code requires specific information regarding notifiable conditions be reported. Reporting any suspected or laboratory confirmed notifiable conditions is required from:
- Health care providers
- Hospitals
- Laboratories
- Schools
- Head-Start Facilities
- Daycare Facilities
- Long Term or Acute Care Facilities
- Nursing Facilities and Retirement Communities
You can find the current notifiable conditions on the DSHS website:
Communicable Diseases Helpful Links
Public Health Reports
Computer/phone app to view routes, schedules and real-time tracking of transport vehicles.
Provider Reporting Dashboard
Providers reporting the flu, COVID-19 and RSV can click here to access the Provider Reporting Dashboard.
Notifiable Condition Online Reporting
Click here to access the online Provider and Stakeholder Notifiable Condition Reporting Form.
Communicable Disease FAQs & assistance
Notifiable Conditions FAQs
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. A measles outbreak is considered a public health emergency and should not be taken lightly. It is one of the most contagious infectious diseases.
How do providers report the flu, COVID-19, RSV, or other respiratory illnesses?
Providers can report flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases online through the Provider Reporting Dashboard.
What are the reporting requirements for notifiable conditions in Texas?
The Texas Health and Safety Code mandates the reporting of suspected or laboratory-confirmed notifiable conditions by health care providers, hospitals, laboratories, schools, daycares, long-term care facilities, and other specified organizations.
How do I report notifiable conditions by fax?
- Download the relevant forms:
- Gather lab results (if available).
- Fax all information, including a coversheet, to 806-378-6306, addressed to Communicable Disease.
Who do I contact for communicable disease questions?
For questions, you can reach the Public Health Communicable Disease team using the following methods:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 806-378-6353
- Fax: 806-378-6306
- Office Hours & Location: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm | 1000 Martin Road, Amarillo, TX 79107
- 24/7 Healthcare Provider Reporting for Immediately Notifiable Communicable Diseases: 806-680-8980
Common Questions on Disease Prevention
How can I avoid the flu, COVID, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses?
You can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by getting vaccinated, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, washing your hands frequently, and staying home if you’re feeling unwell. Return to daily activities only after being fever-free for 24 hours with improving symptoms. For more flu prevention tips, visit the CDC Flu Information Page.
How can I prevent stomach illness?
Good hygiene and food safety practices are key. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after using the bathroom. Cook food thoroughly, avoid eating undercooked meats or eggs, wash fruits and vegetables before eating, and avoid consuming raw milk or eggs. Learn more from the CDC Handwashing Guide and Global Hygiene Council.
How can I protect myself from pertussis (whooping cough)?
Vaccination is the most effective prevention method. In addition, avoid contact with infected individuals, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands frequently, and follow your doctor’s antibiotic prescription if diagnosed with pertussis. More information is available from the CDC Pertussis Guide.
How can I protect myself from West Nile Virus?
Reduce mosquito exposure by avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water near your home. Visit the CDC West Nile Virus Information Page for more details.
How can I protect my newborn from Hepatitis B?
If you are Hepatitis B positive, ensure your healthcare provider is aware. Your newborn should receive the hepatitis B vaccine and a dose of HBIG within 12 hours of birth to prevent transmission. The Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program provides additional resources to protect your baby.
The Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program is available through Public Health to help prevent the transmission of Hepatitis B from mother to newborn during delivery.
The program manages care for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive pregnant women through delivery and ensures that their newborns receive the necessary immunizations and follow-up testing to protect against the virus.
What should I do if bitten by an animal?
Identify the animal for quarantine or rabies testing, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and seek medical attention as wounds may become infected. Rabies prophylaxis may be necessary. Contact your Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA) for further guidance. Visit Animal Management & Welfare for more information.