Chain of Infection

Chain of Transmission

There are six key areas that comprise the chain of transmission for infection across a population. The fact sheet pdf linked at the bottom of this page provides a visual description their interaction.

Infectious Agent

Bacteria
Fungi
Viruses
Parasites
Prions

Reservoirs

People
Water
Food

Portals of Exit

Blood
Secretions
Excretions
Skin

Modes of Transmission

Contact
Droplet
Airborne

Portals of Entry

Mucous membranes
Respiratory
Gastrointestinal (GI)
Broken skin

Susceptible Host

Immunosuppression
Diabetes
Burns
Surgery
Age

Adapted from Routine Practices and Additional Precautions In All Health Care Settings, PIDAC, Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion, July 2011, by the CD Program, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, March 2013.

Chain of Infection Fact Sheet printable pdf

Need More Information About Chain of Infection?

Talk to your health care provider or call our Communicable Disease Program at 613-966-5500or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 349.

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Main Office - Belleville

179 North Park Street
Belleville, Ontario, Canada
K8P 4P1

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HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday to Friday : 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 613-966-5500
Toll-Free: 1-800-267-2803
Fax: 613-966-9418
TTY: 711 or 1-800-267-6511

SOCIAL MEDIA

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people.

South East Health Unit

As of Jan. 1, 2025 Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit will merge to form the South East Health Unit.

Partners and members of the public should continue to engage with their local public health offices as usual until otherwise directed.

Efforts are underway to develop branding for the South East Health Unit, which will take several months. In the meantime, you will see logos and other advertising material with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health branding. You may also see some documents using the legal name South East Health Unit.