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Public Health Nursing

Prevent Infectious Diseases

Public Health Nursing

Alexandra Cervera, MSN, RN

203-574-6780 Ext:(7266)

Cell: 203-528-5349

Fax: 203-346-2659

Infectious Diseases


There are five measures that can help prevent Infectious Diseases, including: handwashing; staying current on vaccines; food safety; practicing safe sex; and avoiding animal bites.

The Public Health Department has legal responsibility for the investigation of Reportable Infectious Diseases within the City of Waterbury, including surveillance, case investigations, counseling, referrals, health education and control measures to prevent the spread of Infectious Diseases.

Health epidemiology

Physicians and laboratories are
required by the State of Connecticut
to report on key Reportable Diseases,
Emergency Illness, and Health
Conditions. Current Reportable
conditions and emergency contacts
are available online or as a PDF.

Tuberculosis Specialty Care for Persons with Tuberculosis

The Public Health Nursing Program provides specialty case management for Tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease.  

   

CDC guidelines advise certain people to be tested for TB
Infection. These individuals at higher risk include:

  • People who have spent time with someone who has TB Disease;
  • People from a country where TB Disease is common (most countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia);
  • People who live or work in high-risk settings (for example: correctional facilities, long-term care facilities or nursing homes, and homeless shelters);
  • Health-care workers who care for patients at increased risk for TB Disease;
  • Infants, children, and adolescents exposed to adults who are at increased risk for Latent Tuberculosis Infection or TB Disease

Many people who have been exposed to TB may never develop TB Disease.
Those at high risk for developing TB Disease include:

  • People with HIV infection
  • People who became infected with TB bacteria (Latent TB Infection) in the last 2 years
  • Babies and young children
  • People who inject illegal drugs
  • People who are sick with other diseases that weaken the immune system
  • Elderly people
  • People who were not treated correctly for TB in the past

TB tests are generally not recommended for people with a low risk of infection with TB bacteria.

  • For more information about TB, visit the CDC website.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Practicing safe sex can help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The Waterbury Health Department’s HIV Prevention Program provides free, confidential outreach and testing daily for the following STIs:

  • HIV
  • Chlamydia     
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hep C
  • Syphilis (symptom screening & referral only)

The HIV Prevention Program provides linkage to treatment for HIV,
STIs, and other needed care by means of daily standing appointments
with the Chase Infectious Disease Clinic, Planned Parenthood and
other healthcare providers. Additional services of the HIV Prevention Program include harm and risk reduction, support groups, and more.

For more information about STI outreach, testing and linkage to treatment, call the
HIV Prevention Program at 203-574-6883 or visit the webpage.

For more information about STIs, visit the CDC website.