Part of our public health role in Cornwall involves protecting individuals, groups and populations from infectious disease and non-infectious threats to public health.
This includes infectious disease control, protection against environmental health hazards and emergency response. We also take action for clean air, water and food.
Infectious Disease Control
Many infectious diseases can be managed by reinforcing the measures recommended by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). These measures can be found in their guidance for preventing and controlling infections. However, there may be some situations where you will need to contact the South West UKHSA Health Protection Team for advice or if you are concerned.
Infection Disease Control also includes the following:
Vaccinations
After clean water, vaccines are the most effective public health intervention in the world. Vaccines are also the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases. For more information on why vaccination is safe and important visit the NHS website.
COVID-19 has resulted in a lower uptake of some routine vaccination. Here is the immunisation schedule from February 2022 . Your GP will hold your vaccination record. If you are unsure, please contact them to check if you and your family are fully vaccinated.
Travelling Abroad
If you're planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world. Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A.
Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. If possible, see your GP or a private travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you're due to travel. Check what vaccinations and health precautions you need at least 8 weeks before you travel. You can also check if your medication is legal in the country you are visiting.
For more information about travel vaccinations visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations
Screening
Screening is a way of finding out if you have a higher chance of having a health problem. This enables early treatment to be offered or information given to help make informed decisions.
Various screening is available throughout our lifetimes. For more information visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening
Foodborne Disease
Foodborne diseases are caused by contamination of food. This can occur at any stage of the food production, delivery, storage or consumption chain. They can result from several forms of environmental contamination. These include pollution in water, soil or air, as well as unsafe food storage and processing. Foodborne diseases can include a wide range of illnesses. They can present a large number of symptoms, but most present as gastrointestinal issues.
Our colleagues in Environmental Health work with the The Food Standards Agency to ensure food safety and hygiene. They also enforce food safety regulations.
Diseases from wildlife and livestock
Spending time in nature is beneficial for both your physical and mental wellbeing. But whenever you spend time outdoors there is a small risk of catching infection from animals or the environment.
There is a range of guidance available to help you avoid becoming unwell, including:
Guidance for premises in the control of illness in settings where the general public come into contact with animals can be found in the pdf below.
Animal Contact Letter in PDF formatNon-infectious Diseases
Non-infectious diseases are not caused by a pathogen and cannot be transferred from person to person. There are many types of non-infectious disease. They are caused by different factors including environmental, genetic, lifestyle and nutritional factors.
Lifestyle
For support on health eating and lifestyle choices visit the Healthy Cornwall website.
Go to the Healthy Cornwall website
Weather
The Adverse Weather and Health Plan launched on 11 May 2023 and aims to bring together and improve current guidance on weather and health. The plan outlines where health and social care and other organisations and local communities can work together to deliver the best health outcomes possible during adverse weather.
view the Adverse Weather and Health Plan
To receive both heat and cold alerts register using the Weather-Health Alerting system please register below.
Weather-Health Alerting system registration formCornwall is a lovely place to be at any time of year, but especially during the summer. Many of us enjoy getting outside in the warmer weather when the sun is shining.
But, it’s worth remembering that sunny spells can pose health risks for some people. Find tips of how to stay save on our 'Stay safe this Summer' web page.
Stay safe this Summer pageIt’s also important to look after your wellbeing in the winter, see our Winter wellbeing page to find some help.
View our Winter wellbeing page
Our Winter Wellbeing Guides are packed with useful advice and information. They cover staying warm, keeping well and being happy and safe this winter.
Chemical/biological/radiological and nuclear
The response to an incident would involve many departments and agencies. Our expert advice on the public health impact of an incident would be needed from the outset.
Emergency Response
The Health Protection Team support the development and actioning of a number of emergency response plans. These depend on the nature of the emergency.
For more information on Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Emergency Planning visit;
