St Mary's Medical Center

Infectious Disease

Infectious diseases are caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Infectious diseases can spread in a variety of ways – from person to person, through animal or insect bites, or from contaminated food or water. Signs and symptoms vary, but often include fever and fatigue. Mild infections may respond to rest and home remedies, while some life-threatening infections may require hospitalization.

Through the use of vaccines, antibiotics and other treatments, we create a personalized plan to meet your specific care needs.

We are the only infectious diseases team in the Grand Junction area, and our experts diagnose and treat infectious diseases in our referral-based Infectious Disease Clinic.

We are located at:
2643 Patterson Rd., Ste 406
Grand Junction, CO 81506
Phone: 970-298-7499
Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday  Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Meet the Team

Infectious diseases we treat

Some common infectious conditions our doctors treat include:

  • Bacterial infections, including pneumonia, endocarditis and abscesses
  • Bone infections
  • Drug-resistant infections such as MRSA
  • E. coli
  • Fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, aspergillus, and cryptococcus
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Influenza
  • Measles
  • Meningitis
  • Mononucleosis
  • Shingles
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  • Tuberculosis

How we diagnose infectious diseases

Our team may use one or more of these tests to diagnose an infectious disease:

  • Blood tests
  • CT scan
  • Lumbar puncture (also called spinal tap)
  • PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology – Rapid diagnosis for respiratory infections, central nervous infections, diarrheal infections and some blood-stream infections
  • Urinary, mucus or fecal cultures

How we treat infectious diseases

If you contract an infectious disease, medication often will be the first step. The doctor may prescribe:

  • Antibiotics
  • Antivirals
  • Antifungals
  • Vaccines and immunizations for prevention

Our specialty outpatient services include:

  • Travel consults, which will allow you to get vaccinations before you travel abroad.
  • Wound care consultations and treatments if you are diagnosed with an infection or fever of unknown origins or a condition for which infection may be suspected.

Our experts will work with your primary care physician to recommend additional treatments, if necessary, based on your condition, health and lifestyle.

Prevent the spread of infectious diseases

Every day, you and your family may come into contact with organisms that can cause mild to severe infectious diseases. There are steps you can take to prevent illness, including keeping up with the proper vaccines during childhood and adulthood. The single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection is to wash your hands regularly.

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