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Factsheets

Further factsheets are available on the main Agency web pages.

Communicable Disease Hazards

The fact sheets on this site have been produced by the Community Infection Control Team of the Department of Public Health and Clinical Policy, Essex Health Protection Unit. We are doctors (Consultants in Communicable Disease Control - CCDCs) with responsibility for the public health aspects of communicable diseases and non-communicable environmental hazards in Essex.

The fact sheets are intended for the general public and community health care professionals working in Essex. Some of the information and advice may not be applicable elsewhere. The fact sheets are reviewed every six months.    

  • Blood Borne Viruses (PDF, 30 KB) 
    When performing a procedure such as ear or body piercing, tattooing, acupuncture, chiropody or electrolysis, the skin is breached, this may let germs in and blood (possibly containing germs) out. These guidelines will give information.
  • Bugs, fleas and ticks (PDF, 27 KB) 
    There are a great variety of insects and other bugs which live in the environment, but cause a nuisance (and sometimes transmit serious disease) when they emerge to bite humans and domestic animals. Fortunately relatively few.
  • Conjunctivitis (PDF, 27 KB) 
    Conjunctivitis means inflammation of the eye. It may be caused by bacteria, viruses or occasionally allergy to aparticular substance.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (PDF, 28 KB) 
    Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common viral infection that is found world-wide. It belongs to the Herpes family. In Europe 60% of people have had the infection by adulthood.
  • Diarrhoea and Vomiting (PDF, 25 KB) 
    Diarrhoea and vomiting can be caused by a number of different organisms, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. These are usually contracted by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water, but some can.
  • Glandular fever (PDF, 22 KB) 
    Glandular fever is an illness caused by a virus. It is a worldwide disease which can affect both sexes. It mostly affects young adults aged 15-26 years, in the UK.
  • Hand, foot and mouth disease (PDF, 63 KB) 
    Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral illness. The incubation period is three to five days. It is communicable immediately before and during the acute stage of the illness, and perhaps longer as the virus may be. 
  • Headlice management: see NHS Chices headlice pages [External Link]
  • Herpes (PDF, 33 KB) 
    Herpes simplex is the cause of cold sore and genital herpes. It should not be confused with herpes zoster which is commonly known as shingles. There are two types of the virus. 
  • Immunisations  [External Link].
    Links to NHS web sites where further information to Immunisations can be obtained.
  • Impetigo (PDF, 22 KB) 
    Impetigo is a superficial infection of the outer layers of the skin characterisedby blisters that become golden crusted. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection (with Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.)
  • Meningitis (PDF, 253 KB) 
    Meningitis means inflammation of the layers of tissue which surround the brain. Inflammation may be due to a number of causes, including infection, only some of which are dangerous.
  • MMR and immunisations [External Link].
    Links to NHS web sites where further information to Immunisations and MMR can be obtained.
    Rashes in childhood (PDF, 28 KB) 
    In the past there has been an emphasis on excluding pupils with rashes from school. However, this often of little value in controlling the spread of infection.
  • Ringworm (PDF, 36 KB) 
    Ringworm is a fungal infection, which mainly affects hair, skin and nails. On the body a tell-tale circular rash can be seen which spreads outwards in ever growing circles whilst the skin heals.
  • Scabies (PDF, 77 KB) 
    Information sheet on the appearance, diagnosis and management of scabies.
  • Verrucas (Warts) (PDF, 22 KB) 
    Verrucae, also known as plantar warts, are a viral disease, whose reservoir is man. The virus causes small flat circular lesions, which may have a dark centre, on the underneath of the feet.