Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by germs like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can spread from person to person or through the environment. 

The Health Protection Service works hard to prevent and control these diseases to keep our communities safe and healthy. We monitor outbreaks, provide advice to healthcare professional, and support vaccination and infection control efforts to reduce the risk of illness for everyone. 

Infectious diseases monitored by the Health Protection Service:

  • Antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections
  • Blood born viruses and STs
  • Gastrointestinal infections
  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS0
  • Hepatitis
  • Meningitis and Meningococcal disease
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Zoonoses (infections acquired from animals) 

How to identify and report a notifiable disease

If you suspect a notifiable disease, please report it promptly to the Health Protection duty room: 

  • Location: Public Health Agency, Linenhall Street, Belfast.
  • Who should contact us: Health professionals and agencies dealing with health protection incidents or queries during working hours. Our consultant-led teams are your first point of contact during the working day. They respond to health protection incidents and lead on public health priorities, with surge support from staff across the Public Health Agency during major incidents.

Urgent health protection concerns? Contact the Health Protection Service directly.

Key resources:

 

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