Infectious diseases

Communicable diseases are usually diseases of an infectious nature that must be reported to a health officer or local government authority by law.

If you, or someone you know, is suspected to be suffering from an infectious disease, you must visit a GP or a hospital doctor or consultant. The doctor or consultant you visit will then complete a formal notification. This is a legally requirement under the Public Health Act 1984 and Public Health Regulations 1988.

If further investigation, such as contact tracing (determining who the person has been in contact with), is required, the notification is forwarded on to the appropriate environmental health officer.

Information about infectious diseases

A list of infectious diseases in the UK that need to be notified is available on the Health Protection Agency website.

You can also read on to learn about some of the more common infectious diseases.