I have just written a new class at The Correctional Nurse Educator – Infectious Disease for the Correctional Nurse – and wanted to share some of the information I researched with our blog readers. This three-part series will include prevention, established and emerging threats, and patient education and nursing interventions for the patient with an infectious disease. 

 
Infectious diseases remain one of the most pressing health concerns in correctional facilities. Overcrowding, limited resources, and the high prevalence of communicable diseases among incarcerated individuals create a perfect environment for rapid transmission. For correctional nurses, prevention and management are not just clinical duties—they are essential public health responsibilities.

Why Corrections Are High-Risk

Incarcerated populations often enter the system with higher rates of tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B and C, HIV, and other infections due, in part, to social and health disparities in the community. Inside the walls, close quarters, shared facilities, and frequent population movement can accelerate disease spread.

Emerging diseases, such as COVID-19, mpox, and novel influenza strains, present an added layer of complexity. They require swift recognition, containment, and collaboration with public health agencies to protect both the incarcerated and the wider community.

Established vs. Emerging Threats

Established diseases—TB, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, MRSA, and seasonal influenza—require consistent strategies such as routine screening, surveillance, vaccination programs, directly observed therapy (DOT) for medication, and ongoing education.

Emerging diseases demand flexibility. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how quickly policies must adapt—shifting to enhanced screening, respiratory isolation, and altered housing to reduce spread.

Nursing Interventions Behind the Wall

Correctional nurses are often the first to identify infectious symptoms. Key interventions include:

• Conducting intake screening for risk factors and symptoms.
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Implementing isolation precautions based on disease transmission mode.
• Coordinating with custody for patient movement and unit sanitation.
• Educating patients in plain language about hygiene, cough etiquette, and treatment adherence.

In many cases, nurses also serve as the liaison between the patient and outside specialists, ensuring continuity of care during and after incarceration.

Patient Education: A Cornerstone of Prevention

Health literacy in correctional populations can be low, and mistrust of healthcare providers is not uncommon. Nurses can improve engagement by:

• Using clear, jargon-free explanations.
• Employing visual aids or demonstration techniques.
• Encouraging peer educators to reinforce prevention messages.

Education is especially important for chronic viral infections like HIV and hepatitis C, where adherence to treatment reduces both individual symptoms and community transmission risk.

The Public Health Connection

Infectious disease control in corrections protects far more than those incarcerated. Staff, visitors, and eventually, individuals reentering the community all benefit when outbreaks are prevented or contained.
As the American Nurses Association and the American Correctional Nurses Association emphasize, correctional healthcare is community healthcare. In this context, the correctional nurse becomes both a clinician and a public health advocate.

Final Thoughts

Whether managing a known TB case or responding to an unexpected mpox exposure, correctional nurses combine clinical skill with situational adaptability. By integrating strong infection control practices with patient-centered education, they help safeguard the health of the facility and the community beyond the walls.

In our next post, we will discuss Managing Established Infectious Disease in Corrections.

Whether you’re a seasoned correctional nurse or new to the field, your insights matter. Have you faced an outbreak in your facility? What strategies worked best? Share your experiences in the comments or connect with us on your preferred professional network.