This is part three, our final post, in our Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Infectious Disease Prevention in Corrections series. Today we will discuss Responding to Emerging Infectious Diseases in Corrections.

Emerging infectious diseases can appear with little warning, requiring rapid adaptation. In recent years, correctional facilities have navigated COVID-19, mpox (monkeypox), and novel influenza strains, each bringing unique operational and clinical challenges.

COVID-19

The pandemic forced facilities to adopt large-scale infection control changes: symptom and temperature checks, expanded isolation capacity, mask distribution, and altered housing layouts. Nurses often became the primary educators on vaccine safety and effectiveness, addressing misinformation among both patients and staff.

Mpox

Mpox outbreaks in corrections demand swift identification of characteristic rash lesions, strict isolation, and targeted education on transmission prevention. PPE use, environmental cleaning, and limiting contact with infected individuals are critical control steps.

Novel Influenza Strains

Flu viruses can mutate quickly, creating strains against which the population has little immunity. Prompt vaccination with updated formulations, rapid testing, and early antiviral treatment help limit spread.

Rapid Response Principles

Regardless of the pathogen, emerging disease control relies on:

• Early detection through heightened surveillance.
• Clear communication between health services and custody.
• Flexible housing and isolation strategies.
• Consistent staff training on evolving protocols.

Final Thoughts 

Emerging diseases test the adaptability of correctional health systems. Facilities that invest in staff training, surveillance, and interdepartmental coordination are better equipped to contain outbreaks and protect the incarcerated population, staff and the community.

This concludes our three-part series about Infectious Diseases in the Correctional Environment.  As the American Nurses Association and the American Correctional Nurses Association remind us, correctional healthcare is community healthcare. Every outbreak prevented behind the wall reduces risk on the outside.

 Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.