These infectious diseases, also known as communicable diseases, they include diseases such as, measles, flu, scarlet fever and whooping cough.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for controlling and managing outbreaks of these types of disease.
The local authority health protection team work closely with UKHSA and other organisations to respond quickly to any possible outbreaks of disease.
Notification of diseases
Doctors have a legal duty to notify their local authority or local UKHSA health protection team of suspected cases of certain infectious diseases.
See the full list of notifiable diseases.
Notifications can also help to identify sources of infection such as contaminated food, water or land. Monitoring outbreaks allows the identification and protection of those who may be at risk of catching the disease, like relatives, friends or contacts of the person affected.