Health protection services safeguard the health and safety of the public. Enforcement of health protection is legislated through the Manitoba Public Health Act. This is implemented through an extensive network of professionals, including Public Health Inspectors, Public Health Nurses, and the Medical Officer of Health. Communicable disease control and environmental health protection are key components of health protection.

Communicable disease control refers to the management, control and prevention of specific infectious diseases notifiable to health authorities under the Public Health Act. Public Health Nurses offer immunization and provide case follow-up, contact tracing, surveillance, screening, and education/counselling for reportable communicable diseases to facilitate early identification, proper treatment, and to prevent further spread. Educational sessions for groups are available upon request. For further information call 578-2500. Some examples include:

• Immunization
• Outbreak management
• Case management

Environmental health protection services are mandated by legislation and are designed to keep the public safe from biological, chemical and social hazards. Some examples include:

• Health risk assessment
• Inspection of food handling establishments
• Approval of plans, inspection and monitoring of public water works, beaches and pools, and daycares
• Investigating the sources of food borne and waterborne diseases

The Medical Officer of Health is a public health physician given specific legislative powers for the purpose of enforcing the Public Health Act. The services include assessing health status and risks, ensuring standards of public health practice, disaster response.