Infectious Diseases and Public Health

Subtopics

Distance Learning

In-Person Learning

Physical Spacing and Testing

Sanitation and Ventilation

Protect schools and communities during a public health crisis.

Schools must be prepared to respond to sudden infectious disease outbreaks and other public health concerns and emergencies. Sustaining safe in-person learning, ensuring proper hygiene, and managing daily operations are all important for keeping a safe and secure school environment amid a health crisis.

Schools are an important part of the infrastructure of communities. They provide safe and supportive learning environments for students that support social and emotional development, provide access to critical services, and improve life outcomes. Schools should work with local public health officials, consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy, to determine additional prevention strategies needed in their area by monitoring levels of community transmission and local vaccine coverage, and use of screening testing to detect cases in K-12 schools during public health emergencies.

Featured Resources

These resources are a starting point for learning more about infectious diseases and public health. Use these resources to create and sustain healthy K-12 learning environments.

Additionally, SchoolSafety.gov regularly publishes issue briefs that provide a high-level overview of a specific school safety topic as well as a sampling of aligned strategies, resources, programs, and tools. Download and explore the infectious diseases and public health-related issue brief below.

Infectious Diseases and Public Health

Assessment

School Health Index

Department of Health and Human Services, 2017

This online self-evaluation and planning tool enables schools to identify strengths and weaknesses of health and safety policies and programs, develop an action plan for improving student health, and engage teachers, parents, students, and the community in promoting health-enhancing behaviors and better health.

Report

White House Toolkit for Sustainable and Healthy Schools: 2024 Update to Federal Resources to Address K-12 School Infrastructure Needs

The White House, 2024

This toolkit highlights how schools can use federal resources to address school infrastructure needs and make school buildings healthier and more sustainable. It provides an overview of the federal funds, programs, technical support, and other resources related to school infrastructure available to support state and local educational agencies and individual schools.

Tool

School IAQ Assessment Mobile App

Environmental Protection Agency

This mobile app provides access to the Environmental Protection Agency's comprehensive school indoor air quality (IAQ) management guidance and detailed walkthrough assessment checklists that address critical building-related environmental health issues. Schools that want to develop, sustain or reinvigorate their IAQ management programs can use this tool to identify and prioritize IAQ improvements.

Filter Resources

All Infectious Diseases and Public Health Resources

Access additional resources below to learn more about infectious diseases and public health and related best practices. Use the filters to sort resources based on subtopic and/or preparedness action.

Webpage

Norovirus

Department of Health and Human Services

This webpage provides information and resources about the norovirus, including common symptoms and prevention strategies.

Training Program

Clean Hands and Spaces Web-Based Training

Department of Health and Human Services, 2021

This training provides information and strategies for keeping hands and surfaces clean in educational settings. It provides guidance and resources for creating and following a hand hygiene and cleaning plan, as well as messaging and resources to share with caregivers to equip them in keeping home environments clean and teaching children hand hygiene early.

Webpage

Seasonal Flu: How To Clean and Disinfect Schools To Help Slow the Spread of Flu

Department of Health and Human Services

This webpage outlines tips on how to clean and disinfect schools to help slow the spread of flu.