NWBRHC

NORTHWEST BERGEN REGIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION

Communicable Disease Investigations

Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission works closely with the New Jersey Department of Health to track and respond to diseases that can spread from person to person, in accordance with New Jersey Administrative Code. This includes working with nurses, disease experts, and health educators—especially during outbreaks. We depend on doctors, nurses, and labs to report any possible or confirmed cases as soon as they can. For more information on how to report a Communicable Disease, please CLICK HERE.

When someone who lives in a town served by Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission has—or is suspected of having—a reportable disease, the case must be investigated. For a list of reportable Communicable Diseases, click HERE.

NWBRHC also partners with school nurses and childcare providers to help stop the spread of illnesses in young children, especially those that vaccines can prevent. For more details on school-related communicable disease, see the NJDOH Daycares, Schools, and Higher Education (DSH) Team website.

Are you a member of the public with questions about Communicable Disease Investigations? Check out our FAQ HERE. You can also contact our office at 201-445-7217 or email us at info@nwbrhc.net.

Are you looking for information on Safe Syringe or Medical Waste Disposal? Please click HERE.

Communicable Disease Reporting & Surveillance System

Many people are surprised to learn that the New Jersey Department of Health has developed an online system that enables public health workers across the state to quickly report and track cases of infectious diseases.

This system is called the Communicable Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (CDRSS). It helps health officials share important information promptly, enabling them to respond quickly, whether it’s a single case or a larger outbreak affecting multiple states.

Laboratories and hospitals report positive test results either automatically through electronic reporting or by entering the information by hand. Public health nurses or health officers then add follow-up details to each case.

The CDRSS system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each week, the information is also sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support both state and national tracking efforts.

Communicable Disease FAQ

A communicable disease is an illness caused by bacteria, viruses, or other germs that can spread from person to person, through the air, food, water, or by contact with infected animals or surfaces.

We investigate communicable diseases to:

  • Prevent the spread of illness in the community
  • Identify the source of infection
  • Notify people who may have been exposed
  • Protect vulnerable populations (children, seniors, immunocompromised individuals)
  • Fulfill state reporting and public health requirements

New Jersey law requires the reporting of certain diseases to local health departments. These include (but are not limited to):

  • Measles
  • Hepatitis A, B, and C
  • Tuberculosis
  • Meningitis
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox/Shingles)
  • COVID-19
  • Lyme disease
  • Foodborne illnesses (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli)
  • Sexually transmitted infections (e.g., syphilis, gonorrhea)

A complete list of reportable diseases is available at NJDOH Reportable Disease List.

Under New Jersey law, healthcare providers, hospitals, laboratories, and schools are required to report suspected or confirmed cases of reportable diseases to the local health department.

A local public health official will:

  • Contact the person who is ill (or a parent/guardian)
  • Ask about symptoms, travel, food, activities, and contacts
  • Provide education and recommendations for isolation or treatment
  • Work with others (e.g., schools, workplaces, healthcare providers) to prevent further spread
  • Contact others who may have been exposed to the person who is ill

Yes. All investigations are conducted confidentially and comply with HIPAA and applicable state privacy laws. The HIPAA privacy rule recognizes the need for public health authorities to carry out their public health mission of preventing and controlling diseases. Personal information is only used for public health purposes. 

Yes. Cooperation helps prevent others from getting sick and is often required by law. It also ensures accurate data collection and timely public health responses. Public health reporting is mandated by law and is not affected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA specifically provides for public health reporting without a patient’s authorization or consent.

For more information, please visit: HIPAA Privacy Rule and Public Health.

If you think you’ve been exposed to a communicable disease, you should contact your Primary Care Physician. 

The health department may contact you directly if you were identified as a close contact to someone who is or was ill. You may be advised to:

  • Watch for symptoms
  • Get tested or vaccinated
  • Stay home (quarantine) to protect others

Our goal is to keep you informed and safe.

  • Wash hands often
  • Stay up to date on vaccines
  • Stay home when you’re sick
  • Practice safe food handling
  • Follow public health guidance
  • Report illnesses when required

Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission offers several flu clinics in the fall of each year. Additionally, you can receive your flu vaccine from your primary physician or at most pharmacies.

Visit: