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NYSDOH Bulletins

June 14, 2024

Tuberculosis Awareness

The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) is experiencing an increase in Tuberculosis (TB) cases. Rapid identification of cases is essential in controlling the spread of TB. With the increase in TB cases, early detection, treatment, reporting and the management of cases and contacts are essential in preventing serious medical problems and the further spread of the disease. Providers must report suspected and confirmed cases of TB immediately to the county where the patient resides. Download and read the full advisory from the ECDOH about who should be considered for testing, types of screening tests, and how to report cases to the ECDOH. 

April 16, 2024

NYS implements Hepatitis C screening requirement

Effective May 3, 2024, New York State will require that all persons 18 years of age and older and persons under the age of 18 with a risk, be offered a screening test for hepatitis C. These new requirements align New York State with the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HCV screening recommendations.

Nationally, new cases of hepatitis C are on the rise, particularly among adults of reproductive age. The number of new hepatitis C infections has doubled since 2014.

Download and read the letter from the New York State Department of Health about this new requirement; the letter includes helpful links to a number of related resources.

Posted 4/16/2024

February 2, 2024

NYSDOH Issues Guidance on NYS Law Regarding Syphilis Testing

Effective May 3, 2024, NYS law will require a syphilis test during the third trimester of pregnancy in addition to syphilis testing at the time of first examination. Prior to this change, syphilis testing was required at the time of first examination and again at delivery (as per 10 NYCRR section 69-2.2).

Please click here for complete reference to this new testing requirement and for interim guidance on syphilis testing during pregnancy in light of this change in the law.

As noted in the release, though the law expansion effectively requires at least three syphilis screens during pregnancy, additional screening may be warranted. 

For questions or inquiries on syphilis screening and/or reporting requirements of same during pregnancy, please contact the NYSDOH Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology (OSHE) at stdc@health.ny.gov.

Posted 2/27/2024