We work with provincial and federal partners to prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from communicable (infectious) diseases of public health concern.
We focus on communicable diseases in the following three areas:
- Reportable enteric, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, rabies, Lyme Disease)
- Respiratory viral diseases (e.g., COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus)
- Emerging and re-emerging diseases of public health concern (e.g., Ebola Virus Disease)
We use a
One Health approach, which recognizes that the health of humans is interrelated with the health of animals and the environment. We use this approach to bring together different partners and perspectives when responding to complex provincial public health issues.
We systematically collect, characterize, analyze and interpret the spread of diseases across the province in our three communicable disease areas. We lead the investigation, management and containment of provincial outbreaks, and support our regional and federal partners. We also conduct surveillance on new or emerging communicable diseases.
We communicate with provincial public health partners about priority public health issues and planned and current response measures. We also work with provincial and federal public health partners to assess and understand risks to provincial public health.
In partnership with other BCCDC Service Lines, we maintain the
Communicable Diseases Manual to guide public health practice in BC. We also develop educational resources for the public. Our recommendations are rooted in scientific evidence for effectiveness and safety; are guided by respect for individuals and communities; and strive to reduce health inequities and optimize sustainability.
We provide rapid support to convene our public health partners when emerging situations arise. This includes:
- Calls with partners during outbreak investigations and responses;
- Coordination of outbreak responses across multiple jurisdictions; and
- Notifications to provincial and federal partners of all reportable communicable diseases.
