Infectious Diseases

Our Approach to Infectious Diseases in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

At UMass Memorial Health, we help you prevent, treat and manage all types of infectious diseases. Organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi cause infectious diseases, ranging from mild to serious. These organisms can enter your body through contaminated food or water, bug bites or contact with another infected person.

Whether you have a short-term infection such as influenza or a chronic illness such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), our providers deliver the specialized care you need. Our travel health specialists also offer medical advice, immunizations and preventive medications for your upcoming travel, as well as immediate medical care if needed once you’re home.

Our Infectious Diseases Care

UMass Memorial providers diagnose and treat a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Diseases caused by bacteria

• Bacterial skin infections
• Bone infections (osteomyelitis)
• Heart valve infections (bacterial endocarditis)
• Necrotizing soft tissue infections
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Tuberculosis

Diseases caused by viruses

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• HIV and AIDS
• Infections related to cancer
• Influenza (flu)
• Meningitis
• Viral skin infections

Diseases caused by parasites

• Giardiasis
• Hookworm infections
• Parasitic skin infections
• Toxoplasmosis

Diseases caused by fungi

• Fungal skin infections
• Thrush

HIV and AIDS Care

UMass Memorial offers compassionate care to people living with HIV or AIDS. We provide the most effective treatments for HIV, including antiretroviral therapy (ART), as well as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for people at high risk of infection. We also specialize in treating patients with HIV/hepatitis C co-infection and pregnant people with HIV. Find out more about our HIV and AIDS care.

Travel Health

Our infectious disease specialists provide advice, immunizations and medications for people planning upcoming travel. We also offer medical care for people with travel-related illnesses. Get more information on our travel health services.