Exhibit 12–1 lists diseases that are commonly reportable. Most of these are reportable in all jurisdictions; the remainder are of public health interest irrespective of their reportability in a given jurisdiction. They are divided into categories according to the mode of spread or the programs used to control them. This list is not comprehensive. State-specific information on what to report and to whom can be obtained from the state health department. Generally, if a disease is affecting an unusually large number of people or if it is a disease that may become epidemic, it should be reported. Except for HIV, most health departments accept reports for diseases that are not on the state list of reportable diseases. The health department may choose not to act on the reports, but physicians have no legal liability for making a report that is not required.