Communicable diseases are caused by germs, such as viruses or bacteria. They can spread from one person to another in a variety of ways, including:

• Contact with blood or body fluids.
• Breathing in germs.
• From a bite from an infected animal or an infected insect.
• From contaminated surfaces (like doorknobs or eating utensils), food, and water.

The Department of Public Health's Acute Communicable Disease Program:

• Recognizes and investigates outbreaks of diseases to find out how people got sick and provide recommendations so they do not spread illness to others.
• Tracks and monitors over 65 different communicable diseases and conditions, including new or emerging ones.

The program also helps to control communicable diseases by:

• Providing medicine and vaccines to prevent disease among people exposed to certain communicable diseases.
• Providing advice, consultation, and infection control guidance to doctors, nurses, administrators of long-term care facilities, and other health care professionals.
• Educating people about ways to prevent the spread of different germs. To request educational materials (like fact sheets, posters, pamphlets), call (215) 685-6740 or email acd@phila.gov.