Communicable Disease Surveillance

Infectious diseases constitute a continuing threat to the public's health. They cause illness, suffering, and death, and place an enormous financial burden on society. Although some infectious diseases have been controlled by modern technological advances, new diseases are still emerging. Under M.G.L. Chapter 111, suspected and/or confirmed cases of diseases dangerous to the public's health are reportable to the local Board of Health and/or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). Reporting disease occurrences enables the public health staff to monitor trends, detect and control outbreaks, and evaluate prevention activities. Our public health nurses regularly collect important information on all reported diseases as part of routine epidemiological disease investigations.

For a list of diseases reportable to the Division of Public Health, please consult the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website, or obtain a Fact Sheet for specific diseases on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website as well.

Communicable Disease Surveillance

External Resources