Introduction

The purpose of the Epi Manual is to serve as a guide to surveillance, investigation, and response to infectious disease. The intended audience of this document is local public health departments and healthcare providers. The Epi Manual is maintained by the Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) within the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) Division of Public Health. 

Confidentiality Statement

Confidentiality is a legal requirement (see Iowa Code 139A). Confidentiality concerns extend beyond the investigator. Clerical staff, administrative staff, interns and local public health agency members who may be aware of personal information on a case should be mindful of the basic tenets of maintaining confidentiality. Only individuals who have a “need to know” should have access to sensitive records. During and after an investigation, only those individuals directly involved in interviewing a case or contacts and/or those directly involved in follow-up activities to control the spread of the disease, fall into the category of “need to know.” 

If you are unsure about whether it is appropriate to release information, do not release it.  Check with a supervisor, the municipal attorney or legal advisor, or contact CADE for advice. Make sure information is released only to people who are authorized to receive it. Inappropriate release of data could pose a liability threat to your agency and/or municipality and possibly endanger affected individuals.

Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Lucas State Office Building
321 E 12th St
Des Moines, IA 50319
(800) 362-2736