Infectious diseases

Hennepin County Epidemiology prepares for, prevents, investigates, and mitigates infectious diseases outbreaks. Part of this work involves collecting, organizing and disseminating data that help community members make healthy decisions and respond to communicable diseases.

Hennepin County HIV outbreak

In February 2020, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) declared an HIV outbreak in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. The outbreak is concentrated among people who inject drugs, most of whom are experiencing homelessness or are unstably housed. See below for more information.

Infectious diseases in childcare settings and schools manual

This resource contains technical and parent fact sheets about a variety of infectious diseases, as well as information for disease prevention and control. Information is intended for parents, childcare providers, and school health staff.

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Hennepin County HIV outbreak response

Hennepin County HIV outbreak

Since March 2020, Hennepin County has been responding to the outbreak. Hennepin County continues to work in the community, conducting outreach to homeless encampments, including testing and treatment, providing case management, HIV treatment, housing assistance and PrEP. The county collaborates with the Minnesota Department of Health and community prevention and care partners to coordinate response efforts.

Case characteristics for the HIV outbreak (PDF)

HIV outbreak in persons who inject drugs (PWID): Supplement to MDH health advisory

Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools Manual

The Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools Manual informs administrators, childcare providers, caregivers, parents and guardians, and school health staff about specific infectious disease problems they may encounter in the childcare setting or in schools. This manual is designed to provide specific disease prevention and control guidelines which are consistent with the national standards put forth by the American Public Health Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

This sixth edition of this manual contains:

47 fact sheets specifically for parents/guardians of childcare and school-aged children. Each of these are labeled "Parent Fact Sheet."
54 technical fact sheets for providers about specific infectious disease problems. Each of these are labeled "Technical Fact Sheet."

Some technical fact pages indicate when immediate action is necessary. Please note that the provider must consult with the local or state health department on the fact sheets labeled "Reportable."

Infectious diseases in childcare settings and schools manual

The "Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools" manual now is maintained on our web site. This allows us to have more frequent updates and provide you with the most current information available on infectious diseases.

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Guidelines: Staff and Children
Section 2 - Guidelines: Environment
Section 3 - Guidelines: Prevention and Control
Section 4 - Communicable Disease Reporting
Section 5 - Communicable Disease Control and Management
Section 6 - Communicable Disease Fact Sheets
Section 7 - Health care Provider Evaluation Form
Section 8 - Immunization Resource
Section 9 - Minnesota Laws Related to Childcare/Schools
Section 10 - Emergency Preparedness
Section 11 - Glossary
Section 12 - References

Section 1 - Guidelines: Staff and Children

Exclusion of Ill Persons
- General (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
- Childcare/Preschool (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
- Schools (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Communicable Disease Concerns for Pregnant Women (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Human Biting Incidents (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

Section 2 - Guidelines: Environment

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfection (PDF)
- How to Mix Bleach Solutions (PDF)
- Cleaning/Sanitizing/Disinfecting Guidelines for Specific Items/Areas (PDF)
- Checklist for Choosing a Disinfectant Other Than Bleach (PDF)
- Comparison of Bleach to Quaternary Ammonia Products (PDF)
Diapering (PDF)
- Diapering Procedures (PDF)
- Changing Pull-ups/Toilet Learning Procedure (PDF)
Food Safety in Childcare Settings and Schools (PDF)
Pets in Childcare Settings and Schools (PDF)
Wading Pools (PDF)

Section 3 - Guidelines: Prevention and Control

Covering Your Cough (PDF)
- Cover Your Cough Poster (PDF)
Gloving (PDF)
Handwashing (PDF)
- Procedures (PDF)
- How to Diagram (PDF)
Infection Control Guidelines (PDF)
- Infection Control Recommendations for School Athletic Programs (PDF)
Misuse of Antibiotics (PDF)
Safe Handling of Breast Milk (PDF)

Section 4 - Communicable Disease Reporting

Communicable Disease Reporting (PDF), including
- Minnesota Reporting Rule
- Reports from Parents/Guardians or Staff
- Reports to Local/State Health Department
- Local/State Health Department Disease
- Prevention and Control Resources in Minnesota

Section 5 - Communicable Disease Control and Management

Communicable Disease Control and Management (PDF), including
- Control and Management of Exposures and Outbreaks
- Reports to Local/State Health Departments
- Notification of Parents/Guardians and Childcare or School Staff
- Sample Line List (PDF)

Section 6 - Communicable Disease Fact Sheets

Read about how and when to use fact sheets (PDF).

Bed Bugs

Technical Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

Bronchitis, Acute (Chest Cold/Bronchiolitis)

Parent Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Technical Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

Campylobacteriosis

Parent Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Technical Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

Chest Cold (see Bronchitis, Acute/Bronchiolitis)

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)

Parent Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Parent Fact Sheet - Hmong (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Parent Fact Sheet - Somali (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Parent Fact Sheet - Spanish (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Technical Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

Croup

Cryptosporidiosis

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection

Diarrhea (Infectious)

Parent Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Parent Fact Sheet - Hmong (PDF)
Parent Fact Sheet - Somali (PDF)
Parent Fact Sheet- Spanish (DOC)
Technical Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

E. coli O157:H7 Infection and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

Enteroviral Infection

Fifth Disease

Giardiasis

H1N1 Influenza (see Influenza)

Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) Disease

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Head Lice

Parent Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Parent Fact Sheet - Somali (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Parent Fact Sheet - Spanish (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Technical Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Technical Fact Sheet (PDF)

Hepatitis C

Technical Fact Sheet (PDF)

Herpes Gladiatorum

Herpes, Oral

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection/AIDS

Technical Fact Sheet (PDF)

Impetigo

Influenza - seasonal influenza, H1N1 novel influenza (formerly called swine flu), and influenza-like illness (ILI)

LaCrosse Encephalitis

Technical Fact Sheet (PDF)

Lice (see Head Lice)

Lyme Disease

Technical Fact Sheet (PDF)

Measles

Meningococcal Disease

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Molluscum Contagiosum

Mononucleosis

MRSA (see Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Mumps

Norovirus

Parapertussis

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pinworms

Pneumococcal Infection

Parent Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Technical Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

Pneumonia

Respiratory Infection (Viral)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection

Ringworm

Parent Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Parent Fact Sheet - Somali (PDF)
Parent Fact Sheet - Spanish (PDF)
Technical Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

Roseola

Rotaviral Infection

Rubella (German Measles)

Parent Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Technical Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

Salmonellosis

Parent Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Technical Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

Scabies

Parent Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Parent Fact Sheet - Somali (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Parent Fact Sheet - Spanish (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015
Technical Fact Sheet (PDF) - updated Sept. 2015

Shigellosis

Shingles (Zoster)

Staph Skin Infection

Streptococcal Infection (strep throat/scarlet fever)

Streptococcus pneumoniae (see Pneumococcal Infection)

Tuberculosis

Technical Fact Sheet (PDF)

Viral Meningitis

Warts

Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)

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