Is genital herpes a reportable condition?

Is Genital Herpes Reportable?

Yes, genital herpes is a reportable condition according to CDC case definitions, but reporting requirements vary significantly by state and jurisdiction. 1

Federal Reporting Guidelines

The CDC established case definitions for genital herpes under public health surveillance in 1996, which explicitly states: "Genital herpes should be reported only once per patient. The first diagnosis for a patient with no previous diagnosis should be reported." 1

CDC Case Classification for Reporting

The CDC defines two reportable categories 1:

• Probable case: A clinically compatible case (with syphilis excluded) with either clinical diagnosis without laboratory confirmation OR history of previous similar genital lesions
• Confirmed case: A clinically compatible case that is laboratory confirmed through viral isolation, antigen detection, or demonstration of multinucleated giant cells on Tzanck smear

State-Level Variation in Reporting Requirements

Unlike syphilis, gonorrhea, and AIDS—which are reportable in every state—genital herpes reporting requirements differ substantially by jurisdiction. 1 The 1998 CDC STD treatment guidelines emphasize that clinicians must be familiar with local STD reporting requirements, as these vary considerably 1.

Universally Reportable STDs (for comparison)

• Syphilis: reportable in all 50 states 1
• Gonorrhea: reportable in all 50 states 1
• AIDS: reportable in all 50 states 1
• Chlamydia: reportable in most states 1

Neonatal Herpes: A Critical Exception

Neonatal herpes should be reportable but is not in most states, despite meeting all criteria for reportable conditions. 2 This represents a significant gap in public health surveillance, as neonatal herpes is:

• One of the most common serious congenital/perinatal infections 2
• The most frequent complication of STIs among children 2
• A devastating disease with severe morbidity and mortality 2

The absence of mandatory neonatal herpes reporting contributes to underestimation of disease burden and interferes with prevention efforts 2.

Practical Implications for Clinicians

What You Must Do

1. Check your local health department immediately to determine if genital herpes is reportable in your specific jurisdiction 1
2. Report only the first diagnosis per patient if reporting is required—subsequent recurrences are not reported 1
3. Verify the diagnosis before reporting through laboratory confirmation when possible 1

Confidentiality Protections

STD reports are maintained in strictest confidence and are protected by statute from subpoena in most jurisdictions 1. Public health representatives should consult with the provider to verify diagnosis and treatment before conducting follow-up 1.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't assume genital herpes is not reportable simply because it's not universally mandated like syphilis or gonorrhea—check your state requirements 1
• Don't report recurrent episodes in patients with previously diagnosed genital herpes, as only the first diagnosis should be reported 1
• Don't confuse genital herpes reporting with neonatal herpes—these may have different reporting requirements in your jurisdiction 2
• Don't delay reporting while awaiting laboratory confirmation if your jurisdiction accepts probable case reports based on clinical diagnosis 1