Joan H. Facelle, MD, MPH
 Commissioner of Health 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Information for Public Health Professionals  
This section of our web site is focused on providing current and important information to the Rockland County public health professional community.  If there is any additional information that you would like to see added, please call our Health Education Division at (845) 364-2501.
 
Disease Reporting
 
 Reporting of suspected or confirmed communicable diseases is mandated under the New York State Sanitary Code (10NYCRR 2.10). The primary responsibility for reporting rests with the physician; moreover, laboratories (PHL 2102), school nurses (10NYCRR 2.12), day care center directors, nursing homes/hospitals (10NYCRR 405.3d) and state institutions (10NYCRR 2.10a) or other locations providing health services (10NYCRR 2.12) are also required to report the diseases listed below:
 
 List of Reportable Diseases
 
Physicians must report suspected or confirmed cases of the communicable diseases listed to the RCDOH within 24 hours.
  • We prefer that you phone in confidential case report.
  • You may also fax confidential case report form DOH 389, or
  • Mail confidential case report form DOH 389.

Diseases listed in bold must be reported by phone or fax, followed by submission of form DOH-389. Hard forms are also available by calling (845) 364-2997 or 2663.
 
 Reportable Disease Form

Phone #: (845) 364-2997 or 2663 (Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm)
After Hours Phone #: (845) 364-8600 (Ask for the Nursing Supervisor)
Fax #: (845) 364 –3658
Mailing Address: Attn: Communicable Disease Control, Rockland County Health Department, 50 Sanatorium Road, Bldg D, Pomona, NY 10970

Physicians should also report by phone:

  • Outbreaks or clusters of any communicable disease.
  • Unusual illness.
  • Cases involving sensitive settings; such as food, health and child care services.
  • Cases that have received a positive diagnosis and have not returned for treatment.  DCDOH will follow up to assure treatment completion.
 
Public Health Updates
 
Pandemic and Avian Flu
  
New York State Department of Health links: www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/pandemic/index.htm
www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/avian/  
 
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services link: www.pandemicflu.gov/
 
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
NYS Dept. of Health Info for Providers (SARS)
CDC Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
 
Bioterrorism Resources and Information
Rockland County Emergency Preparedness
 New York State Dept. of Health Bioterrorism Readiness
 Johns Hopkins Univ. Center for Civilian Biodefense Strategies
 CDC Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response
 
West Nile Virus (WNV) Information for Clinicians
This page offers health and public health professionals West Nile virus-related clinical information and guidance.
 www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/clinical_guidance.htm
 

Training, Webcasts & Other Resources
  
Emerging Infectious Disease Journal
International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases (ICEID) 2002 Webcast
Vaccinia (smallpox) Vaccine:
Click for up-to-date information for medical professionals on the Vaccinia (smallpox) vaccine, the method of vaccination and the spectrum of normal and adverse vaccination reactions.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
Prophylactic Use of Potassium Iodide for Radiological Emergencies
Potassium Iodide (KI) is available five days a week at the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services, 35 Firemen's Memorial Drive in Pomona, Monday and Tuesday, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Additional information can be obtained by calling 1-800-942-1450.

KI helps to protect the thyroid by blocking the intake of radiation, but it does not offer overall protection from exposure. It is not meant as a substitute for taking shelter or evacuating the area.