Diseases and Infections

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is responsible for tracking and controlling the spread of certain infectious diseases in our area. This includes diseases of public health significance that must be followed-up by a public health nurse or public health inspector.

Keeping your immunizations up to date is key to staying healthy and preventing the spread of disease. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others who are vulnerable to getting sick, especially babies and the elderly. Some vaccines given in childhood require booster shots later on, while others like the flu shot are given annually.  You will also want to protect yourself while visiting other countries through travel vaccinations.  Talk to your health care provider or contact PPH and speak with a vaccine preventable disease nurse for more information.

The Role Of Public Health

PPH investigates all reports of confirmed and suspected cases of diseases of public health significance in the community and in institutions. This includes contacting cases and identifying contacts, providing education on how to prevent the spread of disease, providing information on treatment and prophylaxis, applying appropriate infection control measures, and/or ensuring appropriate labs are collected. PPH also may inspect specified premises to ensure compliance with infection control measures.