Health & Human services

Early Childhood Education and School Toolkits

If an outbreak is identified, immediately report it to the Long Beach Communicable Disease Outbreak Reporting System (CDORS) using this online form.

For COVID-19 outbreaks, please utilize the Shared Portal for Outbreak Tracking (SPOT).

 

How to Use the Long Beach Communicable Disease Outbreak Reporting System (CDORS)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Reporting Outbreaks Using CDORS

What is Viral Gastroenteritis?

Reporting Viral Gastroenteritis Outbreaks

Controlling Outbreaks of Viral Gastroenteritis in Schools: An outbreak of gastroenteritis is defined as 3 or more individuals experiencing vomiting or diarrhea at the same facility within a 5-day period. Individuals are considered linked if they have had contact with one another or been exposed to a common source (e.g., same classroom, grade level, sports tea, etc.) and are not from the same household.

What is a Respiratory Illness?

Respiratory illnesses are infections of the respiratory (breathing) system, caused by viruses or bacteria with an incubation period of 3 to 15 days.

This toolkit will focus primarily on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza (flu). The nonpharmaceutical recommendations in this document can also help schools and childcare centers reduce and respond to the occurrence and spread of other respiratory illnesses, including rhinovirus, enterovirus D68, metapneumovirus, as well as other viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory illness.

Reporting Respiratory Illness Outbreaks

Any incidence of 2 or more individuals at a childcare center experiencing at least 2 flu-like symptoms from a non-COVID-19 respiratory illness such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or influenza (flu) within a 3-day period must immediately be reported to the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department). These individuals do not need to be from the same classroom, age group, or team. For more information on reporting COVID-19 outbreaks, visit our COVID-19 resource page.

Once reported, the Health Department will conduct an investigation, provide guidance on how best to manage the situation, and determine whether it constitutes an outbreak.

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

Any incidence of 2 or more individuals at a childcare center experiencing symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) (i.e., fever, rashes or sores on the hands, feet, or mouth) within a 3-day period must immediately be reported to the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department). These individuals do not need to be from the same classroom, age group, or team.

• 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.

• 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.