Report a Communicable Disease in Calgary - City Guide

Public Health and Welfare Alberta 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Alberta

In Calgary, Alberta, knowing how and when to report a communicable disease helps protect neighbors, workplaces and public services. Reporting duties typically fall to health professionals, laboratories and institutions, but residents and business operators may need to notify authorities if they encounter suspected outbreaks, exposures or public-safety risks. This guide explains who enforces reporting, where to submit a report, what actions authorities can take, and practical steps for immediate reporting and follow-up in Calgary.

Overview

Alberta Health Services (AHS) maintains the list of notifiable communicable diseases and the clinical reporting procedures for Calgary and the rest of Alberta. For the official list of reportable illnesses and AHS reporting guidance see the AHS reporting page[1]. The provincial Public Health Act provides the legal authority for orders, isolation and other measures in Alberta[2].

Report suspected outbreaks promptly to limit spread.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and orders related to communicable diseases in Calgary are exercised under provincial public health legislation, typically through the Medical Officer of Health and Alberta Health Services. Municipal bylaw officers may assist with local complaints or enforcement where local bylaws intersect with public-health risks.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the Public Health Act and AHS enforcement pages for specific penalties and ticketing practices.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences are handled by issuing orders or notices; specific fine ranges are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: health orders, isolation or quarantine directions, facility closures and court actions are available to the Medical Officer of Health under provincial law.[2]
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Alberta Health Services (Medical Officer of Health) manages clinical reporting and enforcement; local bylaw enforcement may be contacted for premises-related complaints.
  • Appeals and reviews: statutory appeal routes exist under provincial public-health legislation; exact time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited page.[2]
If you receive a health order, follow it immediately and contact the issuing authority about appeals.

Applications & Forms

AHS publishes clinical reporting forms and lab reporting instructions for notifiable diseases; specific form names and submission methods are set out by AHS for health professionals and laboratories. For practitioner and laboratory reporting procedures see the AHS guidance.[1]

How to Report (Practical Steps)

  1. For suspected notifiable diseases in a patient or outbreak, contact your facility infection-control lead and notify Alberta Health Services following local clinical reporting procedures.
  2. Complete any required AHS or laboratory notification forms and submit by the method specified (electronic secure upload, fax or designated public-health line) for your facility.
  3. If the issue is a public complaint about a premises (e.g., sanitation or apparent outbreak in a facility), contact City of Calgary bylaw services or the appropriate public-health contact to register the concern.
  4. Act quickly: timely reporting aids contact tracing and control measures; document date, time, symptoms, and exposures when reporting.
Health professionals and laboratories have mandatory reporting obligations under provincial rules.

FAQ

Who must report a communicable disease in Calgary?
Health professionals, laboratories and certain institutions have statutory duties to report notifiable diseases; members of the public should notify health authorities when they observe outbreaks or exposures.
Where do I submit a report?
Clinical reports are submitted to Alberta Health Services using the reporting procedures it publishes; complaints about premises may be directed to City of Calgary bylaw or public-health contacts.
Can I appeal a public-health order?
Yes; appeal and review routes are available under provincial public-health legislation, though exact time limits and procedures should be confirmed with the issuing authority.

How-To

  1. Recognize signs of a potential notifiable illness or outbreak (clustered cases, workplace exposures, severe symptoms).
  2. Notify your facility infection-control lead or contact AHS immediately for clinical guidance and reporting instructions.
  3. Complete and submit any required reporting forms per AHS instructions; preserve records and test results.
  4. Follow any public-health orders (isolation, closure, remediation) and advise affected persons on next steps.
  5. If you disagree with an order, request information on appeal routes from the issuing office and follow the statutory process.

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly to limit spread and enable contact tracing.
  • Health professionals and labs have defined statutory reporting duties.
  • Contact AHS for clinical reporting and the City of Calgary for premises complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Alberta Health Services - Reportable diseases and reporting guidance
  2. [2] Government of Alberta - Public Health Act

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