Skip To Main Content

Communicable Disease

NYSED Guidance

Managing Emergency Health Care and Communicable Diseases in the School Setting (NYSED 10/2022, Updated 11/2023)
Provides guidance for developing emergency healthcare and communicable disease protocols for schools. It is intended for use by school health personnel and administrators.

 Please Note:

  • Education Law authorizes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered professional nurses (RN) to assess and exclude a student who displays signs and symptoms of a communicable disease.
  • Medical directors should provide written guidance for school nurses and other school health professionals to follow on the basic signs and symptoms of potential infectious diseases that warrant school exclusion until the student is seen and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider.

NYSDOH Resources

NYSDOH County Health Department Contact Information
Provides phone numbers and website information for all NYS local county health departments. When searching for the appropriate department within the local county websites for communicable disease information, consider using the search terms "communicable disease" and/or "epidemiology."

  • Communicable Disease Reporting Chart and Form
    Reporting of suspected or confirmed communicable diseases is mandated under the NYS Sanitary Code (10NYCRR 2.10). Although physicians have primary responsibility for reporting, school nurses may also be required to report communicable diseases. The school medical director, where required by law, should be consulted.

New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Disease Fact Sheets
Provides fact sheets specific to the selected communicable disease or condition.

NYSDOH Respiratory Virus Guidance (March 2024)
Includes information on when to stay home and when individuals can return to normal activities after respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for Non-Healthcare Settings.

New York City

Reporting and Services-Communicable Disease Reporting Requirements 
This webpage includes contact information and provides information on communicable disease and other condition reporting requirements.

CDC Resources

CDC Preventing Spread of Infections in K-12 Schools
This guidance is designed to maximize school attendance and its benefits for all students, while also preventing the spread of infectious diseases. 

CDC Diseases & Conditions  
Current information and resources that are specific to the selected disease and condition.

Be Ready for Measles Toolkit (August 2025)

Respiratory Virus Guidance (March 2024)

Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot (March 2024)
Infographic that can be posted on core prevention and additional prevention strategies

See Also:

 

Page Updated 11/14/25