Communicable Disease Program
Wayne County Public Health’s Communicable Disease Program includes surveillance, investigation, reporting and follow-up of reportable communicable diseases to reduce the spread of disease in the Wayne County community. The communicable disease program includes sexually transmitted infections.
What is a Communicable Disease?
A communicable disease is a an illness or infection that can be spread from person to person, animal to person, animal to animal, or person to animal.
There are more than 30 reportable Communicable Diseases in New York State. Some of the more common communicable disease in Wayne County include: Coronavirus, Campylobacteriosis, Chlamydia Trachomatis, Gonococcal Infection, Legionellosis and Salmonellosis.
To report a communicable disease, contact Wayne County Health Department at 315-946-5749 between 8am-4:30pm. After hours call 315-946-9711 and ask for Public Health staff on call.
Easy steps to keep you healthy and free of communicable diseases:
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Practice good health habits which could include regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces, getting enough sleep, participating in physical activity, eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and/or sneeze
Communicable Disease Programs are coordinated by:
Christine Gedney, RN, BSN
(315) 946-5749
The Facts About Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Most people don’t believe they are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
- One in two sexually active young people will get a STD by the age of twenty-five.
- The good news is that most STDs are curable and all are treatable.
Talking about STI’s
STI’s remain a sensitive topic for many people. It can be difficult to bring up to your partner or with a health care provider.
Here for some strategies to get the conversation started with your partner.
Here for some strategies to get the conversation started with your medical provider.
Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)
What does EPT mean?
- EPT allows your partner(s) to get treated quickly after you have been diagnosed with a STI.
- EPT will protect you from being reinfected by your partner and will prevent spreading to other partners in the future.
Why should my partner(s) be treated?
- Without treatment, the STI can be passed back to you.
- Many people have no symptoms/signs when infected by a STI so they may not be aware.
- Untreated STI’s can cause other serious health problems
For more on EPT visit NYS Department of Health Partner Services
Additional Resources
- Finger Lakes Community Health – STI testing and treatment
- NYS Department of Health STI
- CDC STI Fact Sheets
Contact the program coordinator if you are interested in more information about this topic, such as educational materials, presentations, and resources.
