Q: What is the minimum temperature required for heat in a residential or commercial building?
A: A minimum of sixty-five degrees must be maintained at all times. A temperature of less than sixty-five degrees fahrenheit shall be deemed injurious to the health of the occupants.
Q: Is there a turn on or turn off date to provide heat in a dwelling or establishment?
A: No. A minimum temperature of sixty-five degrees fahrenheit must be maintained at all times.
Q: Does the Health Department provide lead or asbestos testing?
A: Inspectors can take samples for Norwalk residents and send them to the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Laboratory Division for analysis. There is no charge for this service and the Health Department is notified of the results within two weeks.
Q: What does a premarital blood test consist of and how long will it take to get the results?
A: The premarital blood test consists of a test for syphilis in men and a test for syphilis and rubella immune status in women. Testing is provided daily either by walk in or by appointment on a fee-for-service basis. Premarital certificates are issued within 7 days from the date the blood is drawn. The certificate issued from the Health Department must be filed within 35 days of the date the blood is drawn with the Town Clerk of the town the marriage will take place in.
Q: Does the Norwalk Health Dept. identify ticks and test them for Lyme Disease?
A: The Health Department will identify ticks that have been removed from a person's body. Those ticks identified as Deer Ticks are forwarded to the CT State Agriculture Experiment Station for Lyme Disease testing. This service is free to Norwalk residents, but does have a nominal fee for those who live out of town but choose to bring the tick to Norwalk. Results of the Lyme testing can be expected to take at least 5 weeks.
Q: When can I come for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) services?
A: The Health Department provides walk-in service. No appointments are necessary. There is a $10.00 charge for this service.
Hours: Mondays and Fridays: 9:00AM to 11:30AM, Wednesday Afternoons: 3:00PM to 5:30PM
Q: Do I need immunizations for travel?
A: Immunizations are recommended and sometimes required for many foreign countries. The Health Department offers a certified travel service and follows the guidelines established by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
It is very important to be fully immunized at least 2-3 weeks before your departure. Our medical director and travel program nurse can advise you about the protection you'll need for your trip. Call for information and to make your appointment.
Q: How can I get routine medical care for my baby? I don't have insurance.
A: The Health Department offers routine physical examinations and all childhood shots ABSOLUTELY FREE for Norwalk children 0 to 5 years old without insurance. Out-of-town residents pay a minimal fee of $15.00 for the service.
Q: Can someone with a positive TB skin test give me TB?
A: The person with a positive TB skin test who has no signs or symptoms of TB cannot give the TB germ to anyone else. The positive TB skin test indicates only that the person may have been exposed to the TB germ. It does not mean that they have TB disease.
The Health Department is notified about all persons suspected of having or diagnosed with active TB disease which can be passed on to another person. As soon as the Department receives the notification, an investigation is started to identify other people who might have been exposed to the person with infectious, active TB.
Q: How does the Health Department know that I have an infectious disease?
A: Doctors and laboratories are required by law to notify the state and local Health Departments about certain reportable diseases when they occur. The local Health Department evaluates the situation and ensures that appropriate control measures are taken to prevent the spread of disease.
Q: Who is really at risk for HIV/AIDS Infection?
A: The following are known risk factors for HIV. You may be at increased risk of infection if any of the following apply to you:
- Have you shared needles or syringes to inject drugs or steroids?
- Have you had any body piercing or tattooing?
- If you are a male, have you had sex with other males?
- Have you had multiple sexual partners?
- Have you had a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
- Have you received blood transfusions between 1978-1985?
- Have you had sex with someone who would answer "yes" to any to these questions?
Q: What are the ways HIV infections are transmitted?
A: HIV is transmitted in only three ways:
- Through unprotected sexual activity with an infected person,
- Through infected blood or blood products, or
- From an infected mother to her baby before, during or after birth.
Women Infants and Children
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Q: Why should I breastfeed if I can get free formula from WIC?
A: Because breastfeeding is BEST for Mom and Baby.
Best for Mom because:
- Mom gets the biggest WIC food package - tuna fish, carrots, cheese, and more!
- Mom stays in the WIC program for 1 year, instead of 6 months, after the baby is born.
- Breastfeeding helps Mom lose weight.
Best for Baby because:
- Breast milk contains immunities from Mom which help protect Baby from germs.
- Baby receives special fatty acids which enhance brain growth.
- Breast milk is easier to digest and changes as the needs of the growing baby change.
