Reporting & Investigation of Smallpox

Table of Contents

A. Purpose of Surveillance and Reporting

  • To identify individual cases and outbreaks as soon as possible.
  • To assess the magnitude of the disease.
  • To work in conjunction with law enforcement and homeland security to identify the source of cases as soon as possible.
  • To put in place effective control or prevention methods.  Please refer to state smallpox information at  www.idph.state.ia.us/CADE/DiseaseIndex.aspx?disease=Smallpox

B. Laboratory and Healthcare Provider Reporting Requirements

Iowa Administrative Code 641-1.3(139) stipulates that the laboratory and the healthcare provider immediately report any suspected or confirmed case. The reporting number for IDPH Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) is (800) 362-2736.  If you are calling after business hours you may call the Iowa State Patrol Office at (515) 323-4360 and they will page a member of the on-call CADE staff.

Laboratory Testing Services Available

After communicating with IDPH, contact the University of Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) at (319) 335-4500 for further instructions.

C. Local Public Health Agency Follow-up Responsibilities

Case Investigation

Case investigation of suspected smallpox disease in Iowa residents will be directed by the IDPH Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE).

Iowa Administrative Code 641-1.3(139) stipulates that the laboratory and the healthcare provider must report a suspected smallpox case immediately. Any suspected cases of smallpox should be reported immediately to IDPH, Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) at (800) 362-2736. Instructions for reporting are given at this number after normal business hours.
Institution of disease control measures is an integral part of case investigation. It is the LPHA’s responsibility to understand, and, if necessary, institute the control guidelines listed in Controlling Spread.