The Health Act 1956 states particular diseases must be notified to the Medical Officer of Health.
The
Council's Environmental Health Officers investigate reported cases on
behalf of the Medical Officer of Health. The caseload is always
significantly higher in the warmer months.
The Infectious Disease Chart summarises key points about twenty different diseases and is a handy reference.
The Quick Links go to details and advice on the particular disease,
including origin, transmission, symptoms and ways to avoid infection and
prevent spread of the disease.
Notifiable Diseases
| Disease
| Information/Description
|
| Campylobacteriosis | This may be caught from food, water, animals and infected persons.
Campylobacter is by far the most common disease investigated by
Council's Environmental Health Officers. |
| Cryptosporidiosis | Dairy farm workers and meat workers are most commonly infected with this nasty disease. |
| Giardiasis | This parasite may be present in animals and infection follows
contamination of water, food or hands. In can be difficult to detect
because symptoms are often vague, mild or non-existent. |
Hepatitis A, B and C
| Hepatitis A may be transmitted by contaminated food, drink or water, whereas blood, other body fluids such as urine and saliva and drug
needles usually transmit (Serum) Hepatitis B.
|
Listeria
| This is a common bacteria which has little effect on healthy people.
However it is dangerous to pregnant women, frail and sick people and
people with damaged immune systems or with long-term illnesses. Learn
safe food handling tips to avoid listeria.
|
Additional Information
Influenza
This
may be particularly dangerous to the elderly, immuno-compromised
persons and diabetics. Strains are continually changing but vaccinations
are available.
Body Piercing and Tattooing
Ensuring infections are not transferred necessitates healthy work practices.