Early Childhood Education (ECE) and School (TK-12) Guidance and Toolkits
OUTBREAK REPORTING
If an outbreak is identified, immediately report it to the Long Beach Health Department using the Communicable Disease Outbreak Reporting System (CDORS) using this online form. See below for outbreak definitions.
Note: Long Beach Health Department is no longer using SPOT for the 2025-2026 school year. All disease outbreaks, including COVID-19 should be reported using CDORS.
How to Use the Long Beach Communicable Disease Outbreak Reporting System (CDORS)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Reporting Outbreaks Using CDORS
CDORS should be used for reporting outbreaks of diarrheal illnesses, respiratory virus illness, hand foot and mouth disease. Additionally, some diseases, such as pertussis or measles, may require reporting of individual cases. For full list of reportable disease please visit List of Reportable Diseases.
What is Viral Gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis (diarrheal illness) is an infection that causes inflammation or swelling of the stomach and intestines and causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Although it is often called the “stomach flu”, it is not related to the flu, which is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Gastroenteritis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
When gastroenteritis is caused by a virus, it is known as viral gastroenteritis. Some of the more common viruses that cause gastroenteritis include norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, sapovirus and adenovirus.
When gastroenteritis is caused by a type of bacterium, it is called bacterial gastroenteritis. The more common bacteria that cause gastroenteritis include E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter.
Reporting Gastroenteritis Outbreaks
An outbreak of gastroenteritis illness in a K12 or ECE setting is defined as:
- 4 or more individuals linked by time or place experiencing gastroenteritis illness (3 or more episodes of vomiting/diarrhea within 24 hours) within a 5-day period.
- Individuals are considered linked if they have had contact with one another or been exposed to a common source and are not from the same household. Examples include: same classroom, same field trip, same sports team.
| Viral Gastroenteritis Toolkit for Schools |
| Viral Gastroenteritis Toolkit for Childcare Centers |
What is Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI)?
Acute Respiratory illnesses (ARI) are infections of the respiratory (breathing) system, caused by viruses or bacteria with an incubation period of 3 to 15 days.
Reporting Acute Respiratory Illness Outbreaks
ARI Definition: An individual with new onset of at least 2 of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, or muscle ache)
An outbreak of ARI is defined as:
- At least 20% and at minimum 5 or more individuals linked through time or place experiencing at least 2 flu-like symptoms (i.e., fever or signs of fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, or muscle aches) within a 3-day period.
- A sudden increase or greater than expected number of people with ARI who are linked through time or place
- Increased severity of illnesses, such as hospitalizations or fatalities among cases
- Cases with recent exposure to animals/products known to transmit respiratory illness and/or human cases of novel and/or avian flu. Individuals are considered linked if they have had contact with one another or linked through time and place such as being in the same classroom, sports team or going on a field trip together and are not from the same household.
Once reported, the Health Department will conduct an investigation and provide guidance on how best to manage the situation if additional control measures are needed.
| Respiratory Illness Toolkit for Schools |
| Respiratory Illness Toolkit for Childcare Centers |
What is Hand Foot Mouth Disease?
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and young children but can also occur in adults. The illness is typically characterized by a fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet. It is generally not serious, but it is very contagious.
Reporting Hand Foot Mouth Disease outbreaks
An outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is defined as:- 5 or more linked individuals experiencing HFMD-like symptoms within a 3-day period.
- Individuals are considered linked if they have had contact with one another or been exposed to a common source and are not from the same household.
Resources
CDPH: Guidance for School & Child Care Communicable Disease Mitigation
CDPH: Consideration when a Child has Symptoms of Illness in Child Care or School
Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control (CSDC) Division
Contact
Tel: (562) 570-4302LBEpi@longbeach.gov
Office Hours
Monday - Friday8 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
Facilities
Main Health Facilities Center
2525 Grand Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: (562) 570-4000
Multi-Service Center for the Homeless »
1301 West 12th Street
Long Beach, CA 90813
Phone: (562) 570-4500
Fax: (562) 570-8234
Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center - Center for Family and Youth »
6335 Myrtle Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90805
Phone: (562) 570-3300
Fax: (562) 570-3306
Other Facilities »
