There are various ways you can respond to accidents and emergencies.
Infectious disease outbreaks
An outbreak is an incident where two or more people:
- have the same illness or disease or similar symptoms
- are linked in time, place and/or person association
Step 1 - contact UKHSA
When an outbreak meets the above definition, contact the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Email: eastofenglandhpt@ukhsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 3038537
All notifiable infections should be reported to the UKHSA.
Care settings
You can report a suspected infection outbreak in a care setting online.
See guidance that includes the key considerations during an outbreak scenario – GOV.UK.
Guidance documents are also available on the following common infections:
Step 2 – food-borne illnesses
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 – infection control support
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 – individual health needs
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, do not stay silent – report it. Your voice helps keep our communities safe and clean.
Step 1 – environmental crime and noise complaints
Step 2 – ongoing and urgent incidents
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)