Public health emergencies
Infectious disease outbreaks
An outbreak is an incident where two or more persons have the same illness/disease or similar symptoms and are linked in time, place and/or person association.
Step 1
When an outbreak meets the above definition consider the following action(s) is to contact UKHSA
All notifiable infections should be reported to the UKHSA.
To report a suspected infection outbreak in a care setting use the online 'report an outbreak' tool for respiratory infections.
See guidance that includes the key considerations during a outbreak scenario.
Guidance documents are also available on the following common infections:
Contact details for the East of England - Health Protection team
Email: eastofenglandhpt@ukhsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 3038537
Step 2
Inform Environmental Health if the outbreak is food-borne.
The Food and Safety team may need to investigate to prevent further spread and identify the cause.
Food Safety team
Telephone: 01582 510330
Email: EnvironmentalHealth@luton.gov.uk
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Step 3
Inform Public Health for infection control support.
Especially relevant for health, social care, schools, early years, and residential settings to help prevent further spread.
Public Health
Email: Public.Health@luton.gov.uk
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Step 4
Consider individual health needs.
If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s health, seek medical advice – especially for pregnant women, the elderly, children or those already unwell.
- Contact NHS 111 or your GP
Environmental Health concerns
If you’re concerned about environmental crime, noise issues, excessive dust or antisocial behaviour, don’t stay silent – report it. Your voice helps keep our communities safe and clean.
Step 1: report concerns directly to the council
Step 2: for ongoing or urgent environmental incidents, contact the Environment Agency on their 24-hour incident hotline
Environmental Agency - 24 hour hotline
Telephone: 0800 80 70 60 (option 1)