Protecting your health from infection

Health protection is a key component of public health, focusing on preventing and controlling health threats that could harm individuals or communities. It involves: 

• Infectious disease control: Managing outbreaks, vaccinations, and surveillance to prevent the spread of diseases. 
• Environmental health: Reducing risks from pollution, food safety, and hazardous substances. 
• Emergency preparedness: Ensuring readiness for public health emergencies, such as pandemics or chemical incidents. 

Health protection is supported by legislation, policies, and collaboration between local authorities, the NHS, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Explore more details of Health protection at GOV.UK 

How to report a suspected notifiable disease  

If the case is an urgent notifiable disease you must report it by telephone 0300 303 8537 to the UKHSA health protection team within 24 hours. This is to discuss actions to protect public health.  

You will receive a reference number - it's important to keep it safe. This unique number is linked to your case and will be used in all future communications. 

Report all cases on the Report a notifiable disease online service within 3 days.  

Do not wait for laboratory confirmation of the disease. By law, you must report any suspicion of a notifiable disease.