We receive notifications from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) about certain infectious diseases and foodborne illnesses in Hartlepool. We also investigate complaints of suspected food poisoning.
Our role
When a case is reported, an authorised food officer may contact the patient to:
- identify the possible source of infection
- prevent further spread in the community
Depending on the type of infection, the investigation may be carried out by:
- Hartlepool Borough Council
- the Consultant in Communicable Disease Control (CCDC)
- UKHSA staff
Examples of notifiable infections
- salmonella
- shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), including O157
- cryptosporidium
- giardia
- listeria
- hepatitis
- legionella
- campylobacter
Note: Symptoms may appear several days after eating contaminated food—sometimes up to 10–15 days—so the last meal you ate may not be the cause.
What to do if you feel unwell
If you suspect you have a foodborne illness or infectious disease:
- seek medical advice immediately
- visit the NHS website for more information
- if multiple people are affected after attending an event in Hartlepool contact us as soon as possible after seeking medical advice.
Email: HBC.CommercialServicesTeam@hartlepool.gov.uk
Common sources of infection
- eating contaminated food at home, restaurants, or events
- travelling abroad
- swimming or playing in rivers, lakes, or streams
- visiting petting zoos or farms without proper handwashing facilities
Preventing the spread
- if you have vomiting or diarrhoea, do not return to work or school until 48 hours after symptoms stop and your stools return to normal.
- if you visit your GP, you may be asked to provide a stool sample for testing.
- if a foodborne illness is confirmed, UKHSA will notify us and we will provide advice to help prevent further spread in your household.
Contact us
For further information and/or to report an infectious disease: