One of the main aims of our team is to stop serious infectious diseases spreading between people and from the environment. These diseases can be caused by certain harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Controlling these diseases is essential to protect public health, prevent outbreaks, and reduce harm to individuals and communities. This is called Communicable Disease Control.
The East Region Health Protection Service (ERHPS) works across NHS Borders, NHS Fife, NHS Forth Valley and NHS Lothian to monitor, investigate, and control infectious diseases. Using national guidance, our team provides expert advice, coordinates outbreak management, and supports prevention efforts across the region.
Notifiable diseases
Certain infectious diseases must be reported by medical professionals and laboratories to Public Health authorities by law under the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008. Reporting helps ERHPS to:
- Detect outbreaks early
- Trace contacts and limit further spread
- Implement control measures such as isolation, vaccination, or Public Health advice
- Monitor disease trends and inform Public Health planning
View the current list of notifiable diseases (opens in new tab).
Further information
Public Health Scotland provides detailed guidance on many infectious diseases, including:
- Respiratory infections (e.g. COVID-19, influenza)
- Gastrointestinal infections (e.g. norovirus, salmonella)
- Sexually transmitted infections (e.g. HIV, chlamydia)
- Vaccine-preventable diseases (e.g. measles, mumps)
- Zoonotic diseases (e.g. Lyme disease, avian influenza)
For professionals, explore Public Health Scotland’s infectious disease guidance (opens in new tab)
For members of the public, you can find more information on infectious diseases at NHS Inform (opens in new tab)
Page last reviewed: 10 July 2026