Emerging Infectious Diseases
Emerging infectious diseases could cause large numbers of people to fall ill. These are diseases which have recently been recognised or where cases have increased over the last 20 years in a specific place or among a specific population. The likelihood of an emerging infectious disease spreading within the UK is assessed to be lower than that of a flu pandemic.
On this Page: What to do / How to Prepare / How to recover / Supporting your Community / Protecting your Business
What to do
To respond to emerging infectious diseases
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Stay up to date with the latest information and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on any emerging new diseases.
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Ensure you follow any national or local temporary restrictions that have been put in place to help reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
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Refer to the NHS Website for information on the signs, symptoms and treatment options for the emerging disease of concern.
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If you have concerns about early symptoms then call the 24/7 NHS non-emergency number 111.
For emergencies dial 999.
We can all be better prepared
Our The ‘Are you ready’ booklet brings together advice from various organisation to help you and your family take simple steps to reduce risk, prepare for and respond to emergencies such as fire, flood and loss of power.
Consult the travel immunisation guidance
Take simple precautions if you have a health condition
If you have a pre-existing health condition, you should follow your doctor’s advice to manage your condition and take simple precautions like packing an extra inhaler.
Turn off Gas and Electricity
Make sure you know how to turn off your gas or electricity in an emergency. These could be in or outside of your property.
Recovering from emerging infectious diseases
Recovery
Stay up to date as guidance changes and restrictions are lifted (if applicable), by visiting the GOV.UK website.
Ensure you follow the additional guidance relevant to any pre-existing health conditions you have. If you’re not sure what to do then contact your GP for advice.
Supporting your Community
Community resilience means people and neighbourhoods using local skills, knowledge and resources to look after themselves and each other during emergencies, working alongside but not replacing emergency services. Being prepared—knowing the risks you face, having basic plans for your household, and identifying neighbours who may need extra help—reduces harm and speeds recovery, especially when responders must prioritise the most urgent cases.
Many communities formalise this readiness with a simple Community Emergency Plan template and supporting guidance, which captures practical arrangements and contact details, so groups can act quickly and coherently. Testing those plans is equally important: simple checks (for example, a call‑out to verify contacts) or full exercises (such as opening a local Place of Safety) reveal gaps and build confidence. Local multi‑agency groups, like the LRF Community Resilience Group in Gloucestershire, provide a toolkit, guidance and workshops to help communities prepare and practise.
Protecting your Business
Business continuity management (BCM) ensures that an organisation can continue operating during disruptions. It involves analysing business processes, assessing risks, and creating plans to maintain critical functions. Key steps include identifying potential threats, evaluating their impact, and developing strategies to mitigate risks.
The BCM plan should include clear procedures for recovery, regular testing, and updates. It also covers compliance with regulations like the Protect Duty, which addresses counter-terrorism measures. Regular testing ensures the plan’s effectiveness and readiness in case of emergencies. Business continuity management helps organisations identify the risks that could interrupt operations and put in place proportionate plans to reduce disruption and recover quickly. It’s essential because businesses with continuity arrangements are far more likely to survive major incidents—flooding, fire, cyberattacks or staff shortages—and small firms in particular can suffer disproportionate harm from even short interruptions. A simple, common‑sense approach—gather colleagues, list core activities, and assess what might go wrong and how likely it is—will reveal the biggest remaining risks to plan for.