Latest Uncas Health District News
Safe Pesticide Use: Protecting Children, Pets, and Your Home
Pesticides can help control insects, weeds, rodents, and other unwanted pests, but they must be handled carefully. Common household products-including insect sprays, weed killers, rodent baits, and flea-and-tick treatments-can cause harm when they are used incorrectly, stored improperly, or left where children and animals can reach them. Following the product label and taking a few … Read more
World Hepatitis Day 2026: Prevention, Testing and Treatment Save Lives
Each year on July 28, World Hepatitis Day raises awareness of viral hepatitis, and the steps individuals, healthcare providers, and communities can take to prevent infection and improve access to care. The 2026 theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” highlights the barriers-including limited awareness, stigma, and difficulty accessing services-that can prevent people from receiving testing and … Read more
Prevent Mosquito Bites: Remove Standing Water and Use Repellent
Warm weather brings more opportunities to spend time outdoors-and more exposure to mosquitoes. While most mosquito bites cause only temporary itching and irritation, mosquitoes can also spread illnesses. In Connecticut, mosquito-borne diseases of concern include West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis. The best protection is prevention. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, … Read more
CT DPH Reports Rise in Cyclosporiasis Cases with Link to National Outbreak
Residents urged to follow safe food-handling practices as Connecticut confirms 35 cases in 2026, nearly double the count from this time last year The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced that 35 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in Connecticut as of July 13, 2026, nearly double the 19 cases reported at the … Read more
Sun Safety: Protect Your Skin and Know the Warning Signs of Heat Illness
Warm, sunny days are a welcome part of summer in Connecticut, but too much sun and heat can quickly become dangerous. Whether you are spending time at the beach, working outdoors, attending a community event, or enjoying your own backyard, taking sun safety seriously can help prevent sunburn, heat-related illness, and long-term skin damage. Ultraviolet, … Read more
Pools are Cool — Let’s Use them Safely
Pools can offer cool relief on scorching days, a place for exercise and relaxation, and summer fun. But owning — or even using — a pool enjoyment comes with a big responsibility: safety. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children 1-4 years old and the second leading … Read more
Fireworks Safety: Celebrate Independence Day Responsibly
As Independence Day approaches, many of us are looking forward to fireworks displays, cookouts, parades, and time with family and friends. Fireworks may be a holiday tradition, but they are also explosive devices that can cause serious injuries when used improperly. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a permitted public display conducted … Read more
HIV Testing Day Highlights the Importance of Early Detection and Prevention
National HIV Testing Day, observed annually on June 27, highlights the importance of HIV testing as a routine part of preventive health care. Early detection is critical because it connects individuals to timely treatment, improves long-term health outcomes, and helps reduce the spread of HIV within the community. Advances in HIV treatment have made it … Read more
LAST CALL: Food Service & Salon Relicensing Due June 30th
If you operate a food service establishment or salon business in the Uncas Health District, your license renewal is due by June 30, 2026. In recent years, we streamlined the renewal process to make it quicker and easier than ever – all applications must be submitted online through our secure portal. How to File Online … Read more
Heat Season: Tips to Prepare for Extreme Summer Heat
Hot weather can become dangerous quickly, especially when high temperatures combine with humidity. During extreme heat, the body has to work harder to stay cool. If it cannot cool itself properly, heat-related illness can develop. Older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, athletes, and people without reliable air conditioning … Read more