Infectious diseases are illnesses that are caused by mico-organisms, such as a virus, bacterium or fungus. Infectious diseases are often contagious like the flu and blood-borne and sexually transmitted diseases, but sometimes they are not (food poisoning, for example).
The Public Health Department continually monitors the spread of infectious diseases that are likely to pose a health threat to the general population. Furthermore, Public Health’s mandate is to inform the general population on preventing infectious diseases (specifically through vaccination) and to take action in any situation where the public’s health is threatened (e.g. flu epidemic).
In this section, you will find information on various infectious diseases such as the flu and bloodborne and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as information on vaccination.