Prevent epidemics and the spread of disease: Bacterial meningitis is a very contagious communicable disease that can result in death within a very short time frame. Public health staff respond to the initial report by launching an immediate investigation. This entails: 1) interviewing the patient, and all close contacts; 2)determining who needs preventive treatment; 3) providing preventative treatment with antibiotics, if necessary; 4) providing appropriate health education to involved parties and the public; and 5) assuring appropriate treatment for those infected.

Playground safety is an example of both environmental hazards and injury prevention. Public health staff are trained and certified to examine playgrounds for potential injury hazards, and make appropriate recommendations.