General Public Information on Communicable Diseases

Communicable Disease

Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness is primarily responsible for the prevention and control of infectious disease in the community. Protection of public health is accomplished through active case identification, assessment, data collection, public education, and referral to community health providers. 

What is a communicable disease?

A communicable, or infectious, disease is an illness spread by coming in contact with an infected someone or something. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are the most common organisms causing communicable disease. These illnesses can be passed from person (or animal) to person through direct contact with body fluids, ingesting contaminated food or water, breathing contaminated air, or by the bite of an infected animal. 

You can find additional information about Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness clinics. If you need information for specific diseases or illnesses please click the links below or go to www.cdc.gov and use the search bar at the top of the page.