Notifiable diseases in the United Kingdom

Notifiable diseases in the United Kingdom refer to diseases that, by law, must be reported to government authorities upon diagnosis. This reporting system allows for the monitoring and control of diseases that could pose a significant threat to public health. The list of notifiable diseases is subject to change as it is updated to reflect emerging threats and the evolving understanding of infectious diseases.

Overview

In the UK, the responsibility for public health and the management of notifiable diseases falls under the jurisdiction of Public Health England (PHE) in England, Public Health Wales in Wales, Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland, and Health Protection Scotland in Scotland. These agencies work in conjunction with the National Health Service (NHS) and local health authorities to monitor, control, and prevent the spread of these diseases.

Legal Framework

The legal requirement for reporting notifiable diseases is outlined in the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 and the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010. These laws mandate that health professionals, such as doctors and laboratory managers, report cases of certain diseases to their local health authority.

List of Notifiable Diseases

The list of notifiable diseases in the UK includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Anthrax
• Cholera
• Diphtheria
• Encephalitis
• Food poisoning
• Malaria
• Measles
• Meningococcal disease
• Mumps
• Plague
• Poliomyelitis
• Rabies
• Rubella
• SARS
• Scarlet fever
• Smallpox
• Tuberculosis
• Typhoid fever
• Viral hemorrhagic fever
• Whooping cough
• Yellow fever
• Zika virus

This list is incomplete; you can help WikiMD by expanding it.

Reporting Process

When a case of a notifiable disease is identified, the diagnosing healthcare professional must fill out a specific form detailing the patient's information and the diagnosis. This form is then sent to the local health authority. Laboratories that identify causative agents of notifiable diseases in test samples must also report these findings.

Public Health Response

Upon receiving a report of a notifiable disease, public health authorities may take various actions to prevent further spread. These actions can include contact tracing, issuing public health warnings, and, if necessary, implementing control measures such as quarantine or vaccination campaigns.

Challenges and Considerations

The system for notifiable diseases faces challenges, including underreporting, delays in reporting, and the need for constant adaptation to emerging diseases. Additionally, the balance between public health surveillance and individual privacy rights is an ongoing consideration.

See Also

• Epidemiology
• Infectious disease
• Public health
• Vaccination policy in the United Kingdom