Infectious diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites or other types of organisms. These type of diseases can be passed to another person and are usually transmitted by insect or animal bites, ingesting contaminated food/water or being exposed to environmental organisms. Infectious diseases are also referred to as transmissible or communicable diseases.
What to know Everyone can help control mosquitoes. You, your neighbors, and the community can take steps to reduce mosquitoes in and around homes and in your neighborhood. Take the following steps to control mosquitoes that can spread germs that make people sick. Control mosquitoes outside your home Remove standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs
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Key points In the United States, ticks can spread bacteria, viruses, and parasites (pathogens) that cause human diseases. Many tickborne diseases can have similar signs and symptoms. Ticks transmit pathogens that cause disease through the process of feeding. Diseases transmitted by ticks In the United States, some ticks carry pathogens that can cause human disease,
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What to know Bed bugs are not known to spread diseases to people. Bites can cause itching, loss of sleep, and, rarely, allergic reactions. Prevent bed bugs by regularly looking for signs of infestation. Overview Bed bugs (Cimex species) are small, flat insects. Bed bugs bite people and animals at night while they sleep, feeding
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What to know Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. CDC recommends cleaning hands in a specific way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The recommendations for effective handwashing and use of hand sanitizer was developed based on data from a number of
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Key points Legionella bacteria cause Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Water systems and devices can spread Legionella to people. The most common way for someone to get sick is by breathing in mist containing Legionella. Causes and sources of infection Cause A type of bacteria called Legionella causes Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Sources of
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Key points Many hot tubs are open year-round. Hot tub operator staff and health departments alone cannot prevent all hot tub-related illnesses. Hot tub users can take steps to protect themselves and their families from germs when using hot tubs. The risks Germs can spread through hot tub water and cause respiratory, skin, or gastrointestinal
Read moreWhere can I learn more?
Sepsis Alliance https://www.sepsis.org/education/patients-family/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/index.html
Kentucky Hospital Association https://www.kyha.com/sepsis-in-kentucky/
Surviving sepsis campaign https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34599691/
The Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351219
Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has made sepsis prevention and treatment a top priority. Under the leadership of Fadi Al Akhrass, MD, MBA, FACP, Medical Director of Infectious Disease and Infection Prevention, PMC’s team works diligently to diagnose, treat and control cases of sepsis while also focusing on prevention.
That commitment was recently recognized at the national level. PMC has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Disease Specific Care for Sepsis Certification, one of the highest honors in the infection prevention field. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s dedication to safe and high-quality patient care.
“Pikeville Medical Center underwent a rigorous onsite review of its sepsis performance standards on June 20, 2025, and we are privileged and honored to receive The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Disease-Specific Care for Sepsis,” said Dr. Fadi. “Our nurses, physicians and staff have shown incredible dedication in achieving this certification, and we are incredibly proud of them. This recognition reflects our commitment to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care.”
The certification is awarded to healthcare organizations that deliver comprehensive clinical programs for sepsis. It evaluates how hospitals use patient outcomes and performance data to improve care, as well as how they educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge. With this achievement, PMC reinforces its role as a regional leader in infection prevention and patient safety, continuing its mission to provide exceptional care for the community.
PMC Clinic Building, 8th Floor
911 Bypass Road, Building A
Pikeville, KY 41501
606-430-2208
The Scheduling line is now open.
