Communicable Diseases

Communicable Disease Data

The New York State Department of Health and local health departments such as GO Health collect and share communicable disease data. This information helps residents make informed decisions about their health and helps public health professionals focus resources where they are needed most.

COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to cause illness, hospitalization and death. Vaccination can help protect against severe illness and hospitalization.

The 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all adults ages 18 and older and for children ages 6 months–17 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. For other children in this age group, parents or guardians should discuss COVID-19 vaccination with a healthcare professional.

HIV/AIDS

HIV does not discriminate. Have you been tested recently?

HIV continues to affect people across New York State. Testing, preventive medications and effective treatment can reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV.

Organizations or community members interested in obtaining condoms may contact their local health department during regular business hours.

Influenza (Flu)

The best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications is to receive a flu vaccine. With rare exceptions, everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine every season.

Preventing Infections

Simple precautions can lower your risk of illness and help protect the people around you.

  • Wash all parts of your hands—including the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails—with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Always wash your hands:
    • Before, during and after preparing food
    • Before and after eating
    • Before and after caring for someone who is vomiting or has diarrhea
    • Before and after treating a cut or wound
    • After using the bathroom, changing a diaper or helping someone use the bathroom
    • After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
    • After touching an animal, animal food or animal waste
    • After touching garbage
    • After gardening
  • Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches and countertops.
  • Cook meat and poultry to the recommended internal temperatures.
  • Avoid undercooked foods such as rare meat or runny eggs.
  • Choose pasteurized milk and dairy products.
  • Keep uncooked meat and poultry separate from other foods during preparation.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
  • Stay home when you are sick and keep children home when they are sick, especially when experiencing a fever, diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Do not work in food service or provide patient or child care when you have diarrhea.
  • Make sure you and your family are current on recommended vaccinations.
  • Before international travel, review the CDC Travelers’ Health information for recommended vaccines and preventive measures.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly called RSV, is a virus that can cause cold-like symptoms. RSV is often mild, but it can cause serious illness in infants, young children, older adults and people with certain health conditions.

A single RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults ages 75 and older and adults ages 50–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness.

During RSV season, pregnant people may receive an RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy to help protect their babies. An RSV preventive antibody may also be recommended for infants and certain young children. Talk with a healthcare professional about which option is appropriate.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, can spread from person to person through sexual contact. These infections include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, hepatitis B and C, human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV and mpox.

Vaccines are available to protect against HPV, hepatitis B and mpox. HPV and hepatitis B can cause certain cancers. GO Health regularly holds immunization clinics that may offer HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations.

Important Facts About STIs

  • Many STIs do not cause noticeable symptoms.
  • A person can have more than one STI at the same time.
  • Some STIs can be acquired more than once.
  • Partners may reinfect each other if both are not treated when appropriate.
  • Having an STI may increase the risk of acquiring another STI or HIV.
  • Delaying treatment can lead to serious health complications, including infertility or pregnancy complications.
  • Some STIs can cause cancer.

People who are sexually active should talk with a healthcare professional about appropriate STI testing. Testing is especially important following a possible exposure and during pregnancy. Use the New York State provider directory to find testing and treatment services.

Talk with a healthcare professional about your risk for mpox or HIV. Mpox vaccination may be recommended for some people, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can help prevent HIV.

STI Resources

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis, or TB, is caused by bacteria. It usually affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, including the kidneys, lymph nodes, bones, joints, brain and spine.

People with latent tuberculosis infection have TB bacteria in their bodies but do not have symptoms and cannot spread TB to others. People with active TB disease may have symptoms and may spread the infection to other people.

Both latent TB infection and active TB disease can be treated. Without treatment, latent TB infection can develop into active TB disease. Untreated active TB disease can be fatal.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources

New York State Resources

Related Information

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