Infectious Diseases

City of Menlo Park | #menloprepared

Infectious diseases can spread quickly through close contact, shared spaces, and travel. Preparing in advance helps protect your household, workplace, and the broader Menlo Park community during outbreaks such as seasonal flu, COVID-19, or other emerging illnesses.

How Diseases Spread

Infectious diseases may spread through:

• Respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, talking)
• Close personal contact
• Contaminated surfaces
• Food or water exposure

Public health guidance may change as conditions evolve.

Protect Yourself & Your Household

• Stay up to date on recommended vaccinations
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer available
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home when sick
• Improve indoor ventilation when possible
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Guidance is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the San Mateo County Health.

Plan Ahead

• Maintain a supply of medications and essential items
• Develop a remote work or school plan if needed
• Identify trusted sources for health updates
• Keep contact information for healthcare providers accessible

Stay Informed

• Sign up for City alerts at www.menlopark.gov/alerts
• Monitor updates from San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management
• Review national guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Prepared individuals and businesses help reduce transmission and protect vulnerable community members. Taking simple preventive steps strengthens Menlo Park’s overall public health resilience.

Explore more local preparedness resources: Emergency & Disaster Preparedness and #MenloPrepared.

Together we are MenloPrepared.