Infectious diseases

There are a number of small and individual cases of food and water borne illnesses in the borough each year that are reported by local doctors, the general hospital and the general public.

Each of these cases is researched and where possible an attempt is made to identify the source of the infection. This research is particularly important when the first case leads to the identification of a number of similar cases that may lead to sampling of various foods, water supplies and so on.

The main concern is identifying the origin of any outbreak very early to ensure that it does not spread further and affect large numbers of people. The families and groups affected by the disease will be given advice and information on how to limit the spread of the disease among themselves and advice on the need not to go to work if it is likely they are contagious.

Rapid transmission of infectious disease information is very important to limit their spread so information transfer and data comparison among local authorities and the medical profession is commonplace. This has led to the identification of cases of food poisoning and other diseases among British Travelers caused in foreign hotels.

The other major source of infection is human contact with animals, so pet shops, farm animals and contact with rodents are targeted for public attention and advice.

Environmental Health Officers from the Public Health Department worked closely with Public Health Wales as part of the outbreak control team set up to investigate the outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis associated with a swimming pool in Merthyr Tydfil. The case management team's report is available by clicking on the link to the right of this page

Advice leaflets are provided in relation to the main illnesses covered by this Section and the related issues.