Contact Us
After Hours Reporting
The Cambridge Public Health Department office is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The health department is closed on certain holidays; see the “Holidays” list at the bottom of the page for details. To report a public health matter after hours or on a holiday, please consult the directory below.
If you need immediate medical assistance, call 9-1-1.
Infectious Disease
To report a suspected or diagnosed communicable disease case:
- Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.: Call the Cambridge Public Health Department, 617-665-3826.
- After hours & holidays: Call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 617-983-6800.
Hazardous Event
To report an urgent and immediate hazardous health situation, such as a gas leak or suspicious substance, call 9-1-1.
Non-Emergency Complaints
Please see the Public Health Hazard or Concern page for a list of common public health issues and the agencies responsible for addressing them.
Complaints regarding the following issues are handled during business hours by the city’s Inspectional Services Department, 617-349-6100:
- A dumpster
- A public swimming pool
- Housing
- A restaurant or other food establishment
- Rodents
Note: Inspectional Services hours of operation are Monday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Tuesday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; and Friday, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Holidays
The Cambridge Public Health Department is closed on certain holidays. Please note: If the holiday is on Saturday, the department will be closed on the preceding Friday. If the holiday falls on Sunday, the department will be closed the following Monday.
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Day
Presidents’ Day
Patriots’ Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving and the following Friday
Christmas
Updated: October 8, 2024