Emergent health issues significantly impact a community's health. Management of emergent disease requires a collaborative effort between the Department of Behavioral & Community Health, Healthcare Providers, and Laboratories, including prompt investigation and response facilitated through the immediate reporting of suspected emergent diseases.
Please contact the Communicable Disease Control Division by calling 845-486-3402 to make a report, request clinical submission, or for treatment guidance.
Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus is in the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Symptoms of mpox include fever, fatigue, and a rash that can be painful, but the illness is rarely severe or fatal. The virus spreads through coming in contact with an infected person’s rash, or potentially from prolonged face-to-face contact. Children aged 8 or under, pregnant or immunocompromised individuals have a higher risk of severe illness or complications.
Mpox spreads through close, physical contact between people. This means anyone can get Mpox. However, based on the current outbreak, certain populations are being affected by mpox more than others, including men who have sex with men (MSM). The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health is monitoring individuals that test positive and conducting contact tracing.
Mpox vaccine is widely available throughout Dutchess County including by appointment at our Family Health Clinic located at the Family Partnership Center at 29 North Hamilton Street, Suite 109 in Poughkeepsie. To schedule a vaccine, call 845-486-2963 or see our vaccine interest form.
For more information on mpox and to view current confirmed cases in Dutchess County as well as throughout the state visit the New York State Department of Health’s Monkeypox page or call the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health at 845-486-3402. To sch
For information on COVID-19 visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) page.
The medical community has noticed an unusual increase in hepatitis A cases nationwide resulting from person-to-person contact among specific groups. Dutchess County lso seen an increase in similar cases beginning late-October 2019. Healthcare providers have been alerted with specific guidance.
While there have been no cases of measles in Dutchess County, the Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) considers measles to be a potentially emergent disease, given recent outbreaks in neighboring counties. DBCH has issued the following:
*Healthcare providers who need assistance may call DBCH at 845-486-3402.
DBCH Public Health Alert (07/16/2019)
The Department of Behavioral & Community Health encourages local providers to consider the following:
For information regarding these diseases, as well as those not mentioned, including diagnostic and treatment guidelines, please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Information Service or visit CDC.gov or New York State Department of Health.
