The Lowell Health Department provides a public health nurse to manage communicable disease cases.  A communicable disease is one that can be passed directly or indirectly from person to person.  The objective of this position is to contact, interview and provide education, support and case management to those who have been diagnosed or impacted by a communicable disease.

Infectious disease is a constant threat to all people, regardless of age, sex, lifestyle, ethnic background or social status.  Communicable disease can cause illness, suffering, or even death, placing a huge burden on society.  Although modern advances have controlled some infectious diseases, new diseases continue to emerge.  The ultimate goal of immunization is the prevention and elimination of these diseases.

This public health nurse identifies trends of emerging disease outbreak and works closely with the Outreach Health Education to provide prevention planning for the community.

Massachusetts is one of only ten states in the nation that participates in the Universal Childhood Vaccine Distribution Program.  This program provides free vaccines to those providers who participate in the program.  Vaccines are distributed to local physicians, nursing homes, and clinics through the health department.