What is an Infectious Disease?
Infectious diseases include the flu, measles, HIV, Lyme, COVID-19, salmonella, and many more. They are caused when harmful germs enter the body from bug bites (such as mosquito or tick bites), from other people, or from contaminated food, water, or soil.
View a list of Reportable Diseases in Massachusetts.
If you think you have an infectious disease and need assistance, our public health nurses are here to help by offering guidance. Please leave a voicemail at 617-665-3826 and a nurse will return your call during the business hours listed below. If you have immediate concerns, please contact your primary care provider.
To report a suspected or diagnosed infectious disease:
- Call us directly: 617-665-3826 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
- If calling after business hours or on holidays, please call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800.
To report a suspected food causing you to be ill, please email [email protected]. Once you email us, you will automatically receive a Foodborne Illness Complaint Form to complete.
Updated: November 14, 2025