August, 2023 - UNCAS Health District

When to Take an At-Home COVID-19 Test

October 23, 2023August 31, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

At-home COVID-19 testing is one of our best tools to prevent the spread of the virus-alongside getting vaccinated and boosted. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing infection, hospitalization, and serious illness, but no vaccine prevents 100% of infections. As the virus continues to evolve and cases are projected to spike seasonally, at-home testing helps you to determine if you have COVID-19 so you can prevent spreading it to others. Here are key scenarios and considerations to help you determine when you should take an at-home COVID-19 test and what to do when you get your results.

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When to Take an At-Home Covid-19 Test

You have symptoms of COVID-19.
Refer to the CDC site for more information on COVID-19 symptoms.
You had close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Wear a high-quality mask after you find out you’ve been exposed, and get tested 5 days after exposure.
You will be with someone who is immunocompromised or at high risk for severe COVID-19.
Wear a high-quality mask as an additional precaution.
You plan to attend an event or gathering.
Consider testing right before you go to an indoor gathering as a precautionary measure.

If Your At-Home Covid-19 Test is POSITIVE

You should stay home and isolate away from others for at least 5 days after testing positive.

When to end isolation:

After 5 days if you have been fever-free for 24 hours and you had mild or asymptomatic COVID-19.
After 10 days if you had moderate or severe illness and/or you are immunocompromised. Consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
If you ended isolation but your COVID-19 symptoms recur or worsen, you should restart your isolation from day 0 and consider re-testing.
Consider taking an at-home COVID-19 test to ensure you’re no longer infected.

Continued precautions:

After you have ended isolation and no longer experience symptoms, wear a high-quality mask through day 10 when around others.

Treatment and care:

If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek medical care immediately.
If you are at high risk for severe COVID-19, consult your health care provider right away to discuss whether you need antiviral medication.

If Your At-Home Covid-19 Test is NEGATIVE

Re-test 24-48 hours after your first test, especially if you are continuing to experience symptoms. A negative test doesn’t rule out infection.

Continued precautions:

If you were exposed to COVID-19, take precautions to protect yourself and others (i.e. retesting, wearing a high-quality mask) for 10 days after exposure, even if you test negative. Follow the CDC guidelines on COVID-19 exposure.
Knowing your COVID-19 Community Level can help you decide if you should take additional precautions, especially if you tested as a precaution before attending a gathering or spending time with someone at high risk.

Treatment and care:

If you continue to receive negative test results but symptoms persist, contact your healthcare provider.

Recommendations are from the CDC and current as of February 2023. For the latest COVID-19 information and testing guidelines, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus

School is Back — Let’s Have a Safe, Happy, and Healthy School Year

October 23, 2023August 30, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

School is back in session! With a new school year upon us, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Here are some valuable safety tips to help parents, guardians, and caregivers ensure their children’s safety as they embark on a new academic journey.

Safe Transportation: Whether your child walks, bikes, or takes the bus to school, it’s important to prioritize their safety during their commute. Remind them to use designated crosswalks, follow traffic signals, and wear helmets while biking. If they take the bus, educate them about proper behavior at the bus stop and on the bus, such as staying seated and wearing seat belts if available.

Backpacks: Heavy backpacks can strain a child’s back and shoulders. Ensure your child’s backpack is appropriately sized, has padded straps, and is worn with both straps to distribute the weight evenly. Encourage them to only carry what’s necessary to lighten the load.

Cyber Safety: In the digital age, cyber safety is paramount. Teach your children the importance of not sharing personal information online, being cautious about the content they view, and being respectful in their online interactions.

Healthy Eating: A balanced diet contributes to overall well-being. Pack nutritious lunches and snacks that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Avoid sugary snacks and beverages that can lead to energy crashes later in the day.

Vaccinations: Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases within the school community.

Emergency Contacts: Update your child’s emergency contact information with the school. Provide accurate phone numbers and alternative contacts in case you’re unreachable.

Mental Health Check-ins: Starting school can be exciting but also stressful. Check-in with your child’s emotional well-being, and let them know it’s okay to talk about their feelings. Teach them healthy ways to cope with stress.

As we gear up for another school year, let’s prioritize the safety and well-being of all school-aged children. By following these safety tips and fostering an environment of open communication, we can help make the academic journey not only educational but also fun and safe.

To find when the Uncas Mobile Health Team will be coming to your neighborhood, check out our calendar.

For a listing of immunization requirements for students enrolled in Connecticut schools, click here.

Celebrate Labor Day Safely: Cookout Safety Tips from Uncas Health District

October 23, 2023August 30, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

Labor Day weekend is here, and many of us are eagerly looking forward to the last summer cookout of the season. Whether you’re firing up the grill or setting up a picnic, it’s crucial to keep safety in mind to ensure an enjoyable holiday for everyone. We’ve compiled essential tips to make your Labor Day cookout fun and safe. From food preparation to grilling and responsible drinking, here’s how you can have a fantastic and worry-free celebration.

Food Safety: Prevent Cross-Contamination and ensure proper cooking temperatures
Cleanliness is Key: Before preparing food, ensure that your hands, utensils, and cooking surfaces are clean. This minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of harmful bacteria.
Separate Raw and Cooked Foods: Keep raw meats and seafood away from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked items.
Cook Thoroughly: Use a food thermometer to ensure that meats, poultry, and seafood are cooked to the recommended internal temperatures. This kills any harmful bacteria present.
Avoid Partial Cooking: Pre-cooking items like chicken in the oven and finishing them on the grill can lead to uneven cooking and an increased risk of foodborne illnesses. Cook meat entirely on the grill or oven.
Chill Perishable Foods: Keep perishable foods like salads, dips, and mayonnaise-based dishes chilled until serving time.

Grilling Safety: Prevent Accidents and Mishaps

Choose the Right Location: Set up your grill in an open area away from structures, overhanging branches, and other potential fire hazards. This prevents accidental fires and keeps everyone safe.
Supervise the Grill: Never leave the grill unattended, especially when children or pets are around. Assign a responsible adult to monitor the grill and ensure it’s used safely.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe zone around the grill. Keep children, pets, and combustible materials at least three feet away to prevent burns and accidents.
Use Long-Handled Tools: Grilling tools with long handles help you stay a safe distance from the flames and heat. This reduces the risk of burns and ensures better control while cooking.

Drinking in Moderation: Enjoy Responsibly and Drive Sober

Moderation Matters: If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair your judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents.
Stay Hydrated: Alongside alcoholic beverages, provide plenty of non-alcoholic options like water, flavored waters, or mocktails. Staying hydrated is essential, especially on a warm day.
Designated Drivers: If alcohol is part of your celebration, plan for a designated driver or alternate transportation. Never drink and drive, as it endangers your life and the lives of others on the road.

As you gear up for your Labor Day cookout, remember that safety should be your top priority. By following these food safety, grilling safety, and responsible drinking tips from Uncas Health District, you can create lasting memories without compromising anyone’s well-being. Have a fantastic and safe Labor Day celebration!

For more grilling safety tips from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, click here.

DPH confirms 4 cases of tick-transmitted Powassan virus in CT this year

October 23, 2023August 22, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) this week announced that four Connecticut residents have tested positive for Powassan virus (POWV) infection. These four cases of POWV associated illness are the first to be identified in Connecticut in 2023. During 2016–2022, 19 cases of POWV associated illness were reported in Connecticut, including six in 2022; two of the infections were fatal last year.

Two male patients aged 60 years and older, residents of Middlesex County and Litchfield County, became ill during early July. Two female patients aged 50 years and older, residents of Windham and Litchfield County, became ill during late July. Laboratory tests performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Laboratory in Ft. Collins, CO, confirmed the presence of antibodies to POWV for all patients. All patients reported a known tick bite and were hospitalized with a central nervous system disease. They have been discharged and are recovering.

“The identification of four Connecticut residents with Powassan virus-associated illness emphasizes the importance of taking actions to protect yourself from tick bites from now through the late fall,”; said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Using insect repellent, avoiding areas where ticks are likely, and checking carefully for ticks after being outside can reduce the chance of you or your children being infected with this virus.”

According to Goudarz Molaei, PhD, MSc, a chief scientist who also directs the Connecticut Tick and Tick-borne Pathogen Surveillance Program at the Agricultural Experiment Station, “In recent years we have been receiving a higher than usual number of ticks, and this year so far, the laboratory has received 4,616 tick submissions, including 3,089 blacklegged ticks, from state residents directly or through health departments and physicians’ offices, in comparison to 1,889 blacklegged ticks in 2022.”

“The persistent and expanding threat posed by blacklegged ticks, coupled with ongoing range expansion and establishment in new areas of invasive ticks, the Asian long horned tick, the Gulf Coast tick, and the lone star tick, and the confirmation of four Powassan virus disease cases in Connecticut residents, highlights the increasing public health challenges associated with ticks and tick-borne diseases.” said Dr. Molaei.

Powassan virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected blacklegged, or deer tick. It takes from one week to one month after the bite of an infected tick to develop symptoms of POWV disease, and the virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the tick first attaches. Powassan virus associated illness has been reported from early spring until late fall.

While most people infected with POWV likely experience no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness, some people will develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system. About one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal and approximately half of survivors experience long-term health problems. Severe cases may begin with fever, vomiting, headache, or weakness and rapidly progress to confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, or seizures. There is no vaccine nor a specific treatment for POWV associated illness. Severe illness is treated by supportive therapy which may include hospitalization, respiratory support, and hydration.

Tips for preventing tick bites

Avoid areas where ticks are likely to be, such as in in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Ticks are active from
spring to fall and may also be active on warmer days during winter.
Consider the use of CDC-recommended mosquito/tick repellents, containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon
eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone, and apply according to directions, when outdoors. However, repellents
containing >30% DEET have been reported to be the most effective.
Check yourself, your children, and your pet animals for ticks immediately after coming indoors. Showering
within two hours of coming indoors may be effective in reducing the risk of tick-borne disease.
Examine clothing and gear carefully after coming indoors. Tumble dry clothing in a dryer on high heat for at
least 10 minutes to kill ticks that were carried inside.
Talk to your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products for your dog.
Consider treating items such as boots, clothing, and hiking or camping gear with products containing 0.5
percent permethrin.

For information on Powassan virus and how to prevent tick bites, visit https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/index.html

Find more tips on tick removal and testing here.

DPH announces first case of West Nile virus infection this year

October 23, 2023August 21, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

Residents are advised to protect themselves and their children from mosquito bites

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that a Connecticut resident has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection. This is the first human case of WNV-associated illness identified in Connecticut this season.

The female is a resident of New Haven County and is between 50-59 years of age. She became ill during the third week of July with West Nile fever and has since recovered. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of antibodies to WNV.

“As we approach the end of summer and continue to enjoy time outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors, it is important to prevent mosquito bites to reduce your risk of exposure to West Nile virus infection,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Using insect repellent, covering bare skin, and avoiding being outdoors during the hours of dusk and dawn are effective ways to help keep you from being bitten by mosquitoes.”

“The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most abundant in urban and suburban areas and are most active between dusk and dawn.  We anticipate continued risk for human infection until mosquito activity subsides in October,” added Philip Armstrong, ScD, medical entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

West Nile virus has been detected in Connecticut every year since 1999 and is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the US. Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. About one in five people who are infected develop West Nile fever, an illness which includes a fever and other symptoms such as body aches, joint pain, headache, or a rash. About one out of 150 infected people develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system. About one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal. People over the age of 60 are at highest risk of serious illness.

Tips for reducing mosquitoes around homes

Mosquitoes require water for reproduction. The following are measures that can help reduce mosquitoes:

Eliminate standing water suitable for mosquitoes. Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.
Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling
Clean clogged roof gutters.
Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. When pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain when necessary.

Tips for avoiding mosquito bites when outdoors

Mosquitoes require a blood meal for reproduction. The following are measures that can help reduce bites from mosquitoes that feed on people:
Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven and loose fitting.
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
Consider the use of CDC-recommended mosquito repellents, containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone, and apply according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.
When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6 percent lasts approximately two hours and 20% for four hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than two months old.
Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair to avoid mosquito bites when indoors.

The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, and the University of Connecticut Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science. These agencies are responsible for monitoring the potential public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

The CAES maintains a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 87 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday through Thursday nights at each site every ten days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on the CAES website at http://www.ct.gov/caes/mosquitotesting.

For information on West Nile virus and how to prevent mosquito bites, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Web site at www.ct.gov/mosquito.

Ice cream recall: National Listeriosis outbreak being traced to “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups

October 23, 2023August 18, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is advising consumers not to eat any flavor of “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups produced by Real Kosher Ice Cream of Brooklyn, NY. This is due to a national outbreak of Listeriosis that has been linked to the ice cream cups. At this time, no illnesses related to this outbreak have been identified in Connecticut. There have been Listeria infections in other states that have been linked to this product.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections potentially linked to “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups produced by Real Kosher Ice Cream of Brooklyn, NY.

In response to these findings, Real Kosher Ice Cream has been cooperating with the FDA investigation and voluntarily recalled all flavors of “Soft Serve On The Go” 8-oz cups. This product was distributed to retailers in several states including Connecticut. Real Kosher Ice Cream has temporarily stopped production of these products. The recalled product is packaged in an 8 fl. oz. clear plastic cup. The product looks like a soft serve cup served in an ice cream store, with a clear plastic cover with a seal and spoon attached to it.

DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD said, “Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Those exposed to Listeria can have symptoms occur within a few hours or as long as two to three days after eating foods that are contaminated. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics, so anyone who suspects they may have the illness should contact their health care provider.”

FDA’s investigation is ongoing and updates to this advisory will be provided as they become available. Consumers should discontinue consumption of the product immediately. Please dispose of this product or return to your store of purchase for full credit. Consumers with questions may contact our Soft Serve on the Go team at: 845-668-4346 or info@softserveonthego.com. Monday thru Friday 9 am to 5 pm EST.

Grocery and convenience stores that carry the brand are asked to remove the ice cream and contact the
manufacturer by calling 845-668-4346 or email info@softserveonthego.com. Monday thru Friday 9am to 5 pm
EST.

For more information about listeriosis and this outbreak, visit www.cdc.gov. For more information about the recall, go to www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm.

2 Connecticut deaths linked to Vibrio bacteria this summer

October 23, 2023August 17, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

Two Connecticut residents have died this summer following an infection of the flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio. State officials said the two residents died after coming into contact with the bacteria while consuming raw seafood or swimming in Long Island Sound.

Connecticut last saw the presence of the Vibrio bacteria in 2020, when there were five confirmed Vibrio vulnificus wound infections, according to state officials. To date, the Nutmeg State has seen three cases of the Vibrio vulnificus illness in 2023. Health officials say that Connecticut’s raw shellfish is safe to eat and bacteria has not been found in any of the state’s oysters, which are tested statewide.

The CDC website recommends doing the following to prevent coming into contact with the Vibrio bacteria:

Do not consume raw or undercooked oysters or other shellfish.
Always wash hands with soap and water after handing raw shellfish.
Avoid contaminating cooked shellfish with raw shellfish and its juices.
Stay out of salt water or brackish water if you have a wound (including from a recent surgery, piercing, or tattoo), or cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if there’s a possibility it could come into contact with salt water or brackish water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.
Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water if they have been exposed to seawater or raw seafood or its juices.

Those in high-risk categories should do the following prevention measures:

Wear clothes and shoes that can protect you from cuts and scrapes when in salt water or brackish water.
Wear protective gloves when handling raw seafood.

When is it safe to swim in a naturally occurring body of water?

October 23, 2023August 17, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

Spending time in natural bodies of water — like oceans, lakes, and rivers — is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

While this can help you stay active, it is important to know that the water we swim, play, wade, and relax in can also spread germs and make you, and those you care about, sick. Germs found in the water and sand (swim area) often come from human or animal feces (poop). One way germs can be carried into swim areas is by heavy rain. Water from heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with (for example, poop from where animals live) and can drain into swim areas.

These germs can also come from humans or animals pooping in or near the water. Water contaminated with these germs can make you sick if you swallow it. It can also cause an infection if you get into the water with an open cut or wound (especially from a surgery or piercing). If your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines, check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.

Research has shown that the risk of infection is the highest during and the day after rain, and declines to around normal levels after three days.

CT DEEP warns of algae bloom at Avery Pond in Preston

August 17, 2023August 16, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) notified the Uncas Health District of an algae bloom at Avery Pond.

Avery Pond is a natural water body located in the Town of Preston.

Avery Pond is near the intersection of Route 2 and Route 164 in Preston

The pond has a state-owned boat launch located on the northern shore.

The state is recommending people be alert and avoid skin contact with water that:

Looks like spilled paint;
Has surface scums, mats, or films;
Is discolored or has colored streaks like green, blue, red, or brown;
Has green globs floating below the surface.

Families should keep children and pets away from the algae blooms and rinse off any exposed skin or animal fur with clean water.

For more information, please visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health webpage on Blue-Green Algae Blooms or the CT DEEP webpage.

Report: Mosquito activity “through the roof” in Connecticut

October 23, 2023August 8, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

Within the last few weeks, Dr. Philip Armstrong of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station said that based on traps they have throughout the state, mosquito numbers have roughly doubled.

“The abundant rainfall, the heat, the high humidity–it’s almost like a perfect storm for these mosquitos to flourish,” Armstrong said.

Through various tests, Armstrong and his team have detected strains of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes trapped in New Haven, Fairfield and Hartford counties.

“All of the virus activity that we’ve picked up so far this year has been in mosquitoes, so to date, we have no reported human cases,” Armstrong said.

No human cases yet, but according to experts, the period of peak risk for humans to report the virus starts about this time of year and goes through September.

“We’re testing the mosquitoes in trap locations throughout the state and we’re going to continue to monitor them to see if the virus continues to intensify in the weeks ahead,” Armstrong said.

This content is excerpted from an article by WVIT’s Dave Peck published on Aug. 07, 2023. Read the full article here