Reporting & Investigation

Table of Contents

A. Purpose of Surveillance and Reporting

  • To understand the rabies risk to people bitten or exposed to animal saliva or infectious materials
  • To provide information on proper post exposure treatment for humans exposed

B. Laboratory and Healthcare Provider Reporting Requirements

Iowa Administrative Code 641-1.3(139) stipulates that the laboratory and the healthcare provider must report human rabies immediately, and animal rabies within 3 days to IDPH Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) is (800) 362-2736; fax number (515) 281-5698, mailing address:

Iowa HHS, CADE
Lucas State Office Building, 5th Floor
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

Reporting forms are available free of charge from the clearinghouse. Call ((319) 398-5133) to request a supply. 

C. Local Public Health Agency Follow-up Responsibilities

  • The most important thing a local county health department can do if it learns of a suspected or confirmed case of human rabies is to immediately call IDPH, any time of the day or night.  The 24-hour phone number for the Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology is (800) 362-2736.
  • Case investigation of human rabies in Iowa residents will be directed by IDPH Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology.
  • Following immediate notification of IDPH, the LPHA may be asked to assist in investigating cases living within its community, including gathering the following information:
    1. The case’s name, age, address, phone number, status (hospitalized, at home, deceased), and parent/guardian information, if applicable.
    2. The name and phone number of the hospital where the case is or was hospitalized.
    3. The name and phone number of the case’s attending physician.
    4. The name and phone number of the infection preventionist at the hospital.
    5. The names and phone numbers of all healthcare providers and hospitals that cared for the patient.
  • Institution of disease control measures is an integral part of case investigation. The LPHA is responsible for understanding and, if necessary, instituting the control guidelines listed in Section 3), Controlling Further Spread.