Communicable Disease Control

What is a communicable disease?

A communicable disease is one that can one that can spread from person to person. 

Communicable diseases can spread in many ways. For example, they can be passed directly from one person to another through contact with blood and bodily fluids, or by breathing in an airborne virus. They can also be passed indirectly from one person to another through objects, or by being bitten by an insect such as a mosquito or tick.

Communicable disease reporting

In Massachusetts, health care providers are required under Massachusetts General Law to report certain diseases to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. A list of all Reportable Diseases can he viewed here. 

Some of these diseases are then reported to the Local Health Department or Board of Health, and require follow-up that helps public health officials understand and prevent the spread of disease. If you are diagnosed with a reportable disease, you may receive a call a nurse from the Lowell Health Department.

Communicable disease investigation

How can I verify that the Lowell Health Department is calling?

Calls directly from the Lowell Health Department will come from 978-674-4010 or 978-674-4308. 

During the call, the health department nurse will not ask you for:

• Money
• Social Security number
• Bank account information
• Salary information
• Credit card numbers
• Citizenship status

If you have any concerns about a phone call you received, please call 978-674-4308.

About your privacy

The confidentiality of your private information is protected by Massachusetts law. It will only be used to help the Commonwealth respond to and prevent cases of an infectious disease. We will not release your name to anyone with whom you’ve been in contact without your permission.

Services

• Lowell Health Department Public Health Nurses oversee and manage certain communicable disease cases by providing surveillance, case monitoring, and Directly Observed Therapy (DOT).
• Additionally, the Lowell Health Department provides information to residents on the following:
  • Bats & Rabies
  • Influenza (Flu)
  • Tuberculosis