Infectious diseases occur when germs such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi enter the body.
Bacteria live almost everywhere in our environment, including often harmless ones that live all over and inside our bodies. Viruses cause far more infections than bacteria and usually spread more easily. If more than one person in a household is ill, it is often from a viral infection.
Germs can live on surfaces such as desks, door handles, and phones. Most people get sick when they touch something with germs on it and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. The best way to lower your risk of getting sick is to clean your hands often. At Grand Erie Public Health, we work to prevent, detect, and control the spread of these diseases in our community. Our team conducts surveillance, provides information and resources, investigates outbreaks, and works with individuals, schools, and healthcare providers
We manage infectious disease outbreaks in institutional settings, such as long-term care and retirement homes, childcare centres, schools, and the community.
What GEPH does:
- Investigates and manages outbreaks
- Issues alerts and notices to schools and facilities
- Advises on infection control measures
Stay up to date on current alerts and outbreaks: Visit our Outbreak Status Dashboard
Infection Prevention and Control
- IPAC Hub (Hamilton Niagara Haldimand-Norfolk Brant)
Hepatitis (all types)
Infectious diseases (general)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Tuberculosis (TB)
Contact us
Have questions or need to report an infectious disease?
Environmental Health / Infectious Disease Program
- Brantford-Brant: Phone 519‑751‑4937 | Fax 519‑753‑9127
- Haldimand-Norfolk: Phone 519‑900‑9600 ext. 3438 | Fax 519‑805‑3269
