Reporting Communicable Diseases

DCDOH conducts surveillance and investigation of reportable communicable disease, and can provide diagnostic and treatment guidance.  Partner services including patient location, education and prophylactic treatment of persons exposed to communicable diseases are also available.

HIV/AIDS Reporting 

This includes:

• Initial/New HIV diagnosis - First report of HIV antibody positive test results.
• Previously diagnosed HIV infection (non-AIDS) - Infection previously diagnosed (including repeat/confirmatory test) but patient has not met criteria for AIDS.  Applies to a medical provider who is seeing the patient for the first time.
• Initial/New Diagnosis of AIDS - Including <200 CD4 cells/µL or opportunistic infection (AIDS-defining illness).
• Previously diagnosed AIDS - Applies to a medical provider who is seeing the patient for the first time.

Physicians and laboratories are required to report HIV infection upon initial diagnosis that a person has AIDS or HIV- related illness to the New York State Health Department and the Dutchess County Department of Health. Providers can report to the NYS Health Department either online or by handwritten form. To report to the Dutchess County Department of Health please call 845-486-3479. DCDOH can assist with supplying and completion of forms to assure legal reporting requirements are met.

In order to protect patient confidentiality, faxing of reports is not permitted.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STIs) 

Sexually Transmitted Infection Partner Services

A Public Health Advisor will conduct a STI interview/counseling session without delay after the confirmed infection is reported to DCDOH.  The rationale for this activity is:

• To assure that appropriate treatment has been prescribed
• Educate the patient about the specific ramifications of the particular infection
• Answer questions and offer educational materials regarding sexually transmitted infections
• Discuss and obtain information about others who are potentially exposed
• Assist in the notification and assure testing and treatment of all elicited contacts in a confidential and professional manner, and promote responsible health behavior to interrupt disease transmission and prevent future infection

Reporting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs)

STI's should be reported to DCDOH within 24 hours of a positive lab. Reportable STI's include:

• Chancroid
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis A, B, C
• Lymphogranuloma venereum
• Mpox
• Neonatal Herpes (infants aged ≤ 60 days)
• Syphilis (all stages, including congenital).

Mpox and Syphilis are phone reportable only to DCDOH at 845-486-3402. To report the other above STI's to DCDOH please utilize the Hudson Valley Regional Sexually Transmitted Infection Collaborative Reporting Form (.pdf) and send to our confidential fax to 845-486–3557.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis reports should be called in to 845-486-3505

New York State requires that all suspects and active Tuberculosis cases be reported within 24 hours.  Tuberculosis reports are mandatory if any of the following criteria are met:

• Positive AFB smear (culture pending)
• Clinically suspected pulmonary OR extrapulmonary case when isolation or treatment is initiated.

Animal Bites

To report an incident of an animal bite on a human, please call: 845-486-3404
Healthcare providers must immediately report suspected rabid animals and persons exposed. Provide the full name, age, address, and telephone number for any person under care, observation, or who has been exposed to any animal suspected of having rabies. All pertinent facts relating to such exposure must be provided.