Communicable Diseases
Infectious diseases are a continuing threat to the public's health. They cause illness, suffering, and death, and they place an in enormous financial burden on society. Although some infectious diseases, have been have been controlled by modern advances, new diseases are constantly emerging. State public health officials rely on local boards of health (LBOH), health care providers, labratories, and other healthcare personnel to report the occurrence of reportable diseases.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
On February 1, 2020 the first Massachusetts case of 2019 novel coronavirus was confirmed. On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, COVID-19. Please read the following information for facts about the virus and what you can do to protect yourself and your families:
Influenza (Flu)
Influenza (flu) is a disease of the body’s respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu is caused by a virus and it can be very serious. Every year in the U.S. seasonal flu causes thousands of hospital admissions and deaths. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best protection.
- Town of Hanover Influenza Resources
- Mass.gov: Learn about influenza and how to prevent and control the spread of disease.
Fact Sheets on Infectious Diseases
Information about the symptoms and treatments of infectious diseases, and how you can protect yourself from the risk of illness.