Communicable Diseases

Childhood Communicable Diseases

This chart was created and is maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. This is the basis of school-based communicable disease control.

Wisconsin Childhood Communicable Diseases

Exclusion From and Return to School Guidance Following Common Contagious Diseases

• Lice: immediate pick-up recommended to begin FDA-approved lice treatment. If unable, student may remain at school until end of day and can return to school after the appropriate use of an FDA-approved treatment lice treatment or the Centers for Disease Control treatment options by a qualified healthcare provider, or treatment at a clinic specializing in lice and nit removal.
• Pink Eye: no exclusion unless fever present, then 24-hours fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication; or behavior change. Antibiotics not required for return, unless bacterial cause is determined and treatment is prescribed; then 24 hours after initiation of antibiotic treatment.
• Strep Throat and Scarlet Fever: can return 12 hours after initiation of appropriate antibiotic treatment and fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
• Influenza/RSV/COVID/Other Unknown Viral Illnesses: remain out of school/school activities until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and overall symptom improvement. 
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough): may return after 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment; if no antibiotic treatment, exclusion for 21 days after cough onset. 
• Hand, Foot, and Mouth: no exclusion unless fever present, then 24-hours fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication.
• Impetigo: can return after initiation of appropriate antibiotic treatment; must be able to keep lesions covered until dry and crusted.
• Ringworm: can return after treatment is initiated or lesions can remain covered. 
• Other Illnesses Not Listed: contact district nurse for exclusion from and return to school guidance.