Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are caused by germs such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. They can spread from person to person, either directly or indirectly. Some infections can also be passed from animals to humans; these are known as zoonotic diseases.

Infectious diseases remain a major public health issue. International travel and the movement of goods around the world have increased opportunities for infections to spread. As well as affecting people's health and wellbeing, infectious diseases can place significant demands on health services and have wider social and economic impacts.

In the UK, infectious diseases are thought to account for around half of GP appointments for children and more than a third of appointments for adults.

Notifiable diseases

Some infectious diseases are known as notifiable infection diseases because they can pose a serious risk to public health. When a doctor diagnoses one of these diseases, they must report it to the local authority.

This allows the Health Protection Hub and local authority to investigate cases, monitor outbreaks, and take action to prevent the disease from spreading further.

Information from notifications can also help identify the source of an infection, monitor vaccination programmes, and protect people who may have come into contact with someone who is infected.

Visit the GOV.UK website to find a list of diseases that medical professionals must notify health protection teams

Other common infectious diseases

In addition to the infectious diseases listed on the GOV.UK website, there are several other infections that can be passed from animals to people.

• Cryptosporidiosis
  A disease caused by a parasite carried by animals and found in contaminated water, often associated with animal contact, visit the GOV.UK website for more information about cryptosporidiosis.
   

• Leptospirosis (Weil's disease) 
  An infection that is spread in the urine of infected animals – most commonly rats, mice, cows, pigs and dogs, visit the NHS website for more information about leptospirosis (weil's disease).
   

• Lyme disease 
  A bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks, visit the NHS website for more information about lyme disease.
   

• Toxoplasmosis
  A common infection that you can catch from the faeces of infected cats, or infected meat, visit the NHS website for more information about toxoplasmosis.

How to reduce the risk from infectious disease

• Keep your vaccinations up to date.

• Wash your hands regularly and dry them thoroughly.

• Stay at home if you feel unwell.

• Cover coughs and sneezes and dispose of used tissues straight away.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.

• Keep rooms well ventilated.

• Prepare and store food safely.

• Practise safe sex.

Visit the NHS website to find out more information about the vaccination services

Report a concern

To report an infectious disease (including food poisoning) or make an enquiry, please complete our online request form:

Complete our online form to report an infectious disease