When providing feedback on surveillance information, it is useful to emphasize the importance of case reporting and foster an awareness of reporting requirements. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of everyone who reports suspected cases of disease to your surveillance system of the proper procedures for case reporting . These individuals and groups should be provided with:

- readable, up-to-date copies of lists of the diseases that should be reported along with detailed instructions explaining how, when, and to whom to cases should be reported;

- case investigation and reporting forms that are simple, clear, and available in colors that allow photocopying or transmission by fax;

- self-addressed, postage paid cards or envelopes for sending disease reports to you; and

- telephone and fax numbers for reporting cases and making inquiries for information from the local health authorities overseeing the surveillance system. In an effort to make case reporting as simple as possible let people know that an answering machine will be available to take messages outside regular business hours.