• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

    Learn about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including antibiotic resistance, how it affects public health and what the Public Health Agency is doing to reduce its impact.

  • Blood-borne viruses and STIs

    Find information about blood-borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including how to reduce your risk, prevent infection, access testing and treatment, and find support and professional resources.

  • Gastrointestinal infections

    Gastrointestinal infections are infections that affect the digestive system, primarily caused by various bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These infections can result in symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.

  • Group A streptococcus (GAS) scarlet fever and iGAS

    Group A Streptococcus (GAS) also known as Group A Strep, are common bacteria that can cause infections including sore throat and scarlet fever. Find more information, advice.

  • Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in newborn babies

    Group B Streptococcus (GBS) resides in a gut or genital tract and is especially dangerous in newborn babies when passed from a mother to baby during childbirth, causing serious infections like sepsis or meningitis.

  • Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs)

    Find information about healthcare associated infections (HCAIs), how they are prevented and controlled, and surveillance in Northern Ireland.

  • Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)

    Find trusted information about hepatitis, including how it spreads and how to reduce your risk, vaccination, testing and treatment, and professional guidance and surveillance information.

  • Measles

    Measles is a highly Infectious viral illness that can sometimes cause serious complications. Find out about the symptoms, how to protect yourself and others, and the latest measles information in Northern Ireland.

  • Meningitis

    Meningitis is a serious condition where the protective layers (meninges) around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed.

  • Meningococcal disease

    Meningococcal disease is caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis (also known as meningococcus). This bacteria can live in the nose and throat of healthy people without causing illness. Meningococcal infection doesn’t spread very easily. 

  • Preventing infection (hand hygiene & protecting others)

    Good hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop infections spreading. Find practical advice here on washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and the everyday steps that help protect you and those around you.

  • Respiratory diseases

    Respiratory diseases and infections include a range of illnesses that affect your lungs and airways.

  • Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC)

    Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) are a group of bacteria which cause illness in humans. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever.

  • Zoonoses (infections acquired from animals)

    Learn about infections that can be passed from animals to people, how they spread, how to reduce your risk, and where to find surveillance information and guidance.

Northern Ireland Regional Infection Prevention and Control Manual

The manual is revised and updated regularly to ensure all guidelines are based on current evidence and best practices.

Healthcare organisations may adopt this advice and guidance in Health and Social Care Trusts, Primary Care, Private Clinics and Voluntary sectors, Independent sectors, Care Homes, and Hospices

Access the Infection Control Manual