The Aiken Health Department in 2025 released updated public health disease reporting guidelines in line with South Carolina Department of Public Health regulations. The guidelines emphasize mandatory reporting of a comprehensive list of communicable diseases and conditions by healthcare providers and laboratories to the regional health office to ensure timely public health response and disease control. Diseases such as Hepatitis A, B, C, Legionellosis, Lyme disease, Salmonellosis, Tuberculosis, and various others must be reported as outlined by state law and federal HIPAA guidelines allowing disclosure to public health authorities without individual consent for disease prevention.
The reporting process requires detailed patient information and laboratory results for effective monitoring. Reporting periods vary by condition—with immediate (within 24 hours), urgent (within 24 hours to 3 business days), or routine reporting mandated depending on the severity and nature of the disease. The department also coordinates with healthcare facilities for aggregate weekly reporting of COVID-19 and influenza hospitalizations.
These updated guidelines aim to enhance disease surveillance capability, protect community health, and streamline communication between healthcare providers and public health officials in Aiken County. For specific reporting details, forms, and contact information, healthcare providers are encouraged to refer directly to the South Carolina Department of Public Health resources and the local Aiken Health Department contacts.
SOURCES
[1](https://dph.sc.gov/sites/scdph/files/2024-04/D-1129.pdf)
[2](https://dph.sc.gov/sites/scdph/files/Library/00164-ENG-CR_2025.pdf)
[3](https://www.scdhhs.gov/sites/dhhs/files/documents/2025-8-15%20Public%20Notice%20-%20Waiver%20Amendments.pdf)
[4](https://img1.scdhhs.gov/sites/default/files/Process%20and%20Procedure%20Manual-January%202025.pdf)
[5](https://www.aikencountysc.gov/DspOfc?qOfcID=SCDHECA)
