The Communicable Diseases Control Handbook

Abstract

Communicable diseases remain a major public health concern due to their potential to cause outbreaks, epidemics, and global health emergencies. Communicable Diseases Control (2020), published by the Singapore Field Epidemiology Training Programme (S-FETP) Enterprise, is a comprehensive reference resource that examines the principles, practices, and strategies involved in preventing, detecting, and controlling infectious diseases. The book provides an overview of key public health themes, including community preparedness, urban health security, disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and response, healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance, vaccination, travel medicine, and international health regulations. It also presents an alphabetical review of communicable diseases, outlining their epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological characteristics, alongside relevant control measures. In addition, the publication highlights the importance of disease notification, post-exposure prophylaxis, vaccination programme implementation, and access to reliable public health information. Drawing on Singapore’s public health experience and multidisciplinary expertise, the book emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, intersectoral collaboration, workforce development, and international cooperation in strengthening communicable disease control systems. Published in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it underscores the importance of preparedness, timely surveillance, effective communication, and coordinated public health action in responding to emerging and re-emerging infectious threats. Overall, the book serves as a valuable educational and practical resource for epidemiologists, healthcare professionals, public health practitioners, and students seeking to strengthen their knowledge and capacity in communicable disease prevention and control.