Every physician called in to handle a case of a contagious or epidemic disease shall make a report of the same within twenty-four (24) hours after being called in, to the board of health. In case no physician is in attendance it shall be the duty of the person in charge or in care of any person with such a disease to make a report within twenty-four (24) hours from the time the disease is recognized. (Prior code § 15-3-1)