Physicians are currently required to report a wide range of communicable diseases to the Health Department, including: measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, E. Coli 0157, Lyme Disease, ehrlichiosis, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, syphilis, and all types of viral hepatitis. Effective December 17, 1998, chlamydia is added to this list.

"Infections caused by chlamydia are now recognized as the most prevalent, and among the most damaging, of all sexually transmitted diseases," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. "Men, women and infants can all be affected by chlamydia, but women bear an inordinate burden because of their increased risk of adverse reproductive consequences such as miscarriage and infertility," he continued.

Symptoms of chlamydia in women may include vaginal discharge, pain or burning sensation while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, pain in the pelvic area and burning or itching in the genital area. Most women, however experience no symptoms. Men are more likely than women to have symptoms which may include pain or a burning sensation while urinating and a watery or milky discharge. Screening tests for chlamydia are available and chlamydia can easily be cured by taking antibiotics for seven to ten days.