Latest Uncas Health District News

child and mother playing

DPH Stresses Lead Prevention Safety for Children

By Uncas Health District | October 24, 2024

Oct. 20-26 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW). This campaign aims to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and state, tribal, and local governments to reduce childhood exposure to lead by increasing lead poisoning prevention awareness and education. “Lead poisoning is preventable, and there is no safe level of lead for children, so we are … Read more

Kids trick or treat. Halloween fun for children.

Helpful Tips to Enjoy a Safe and Healthy Halloween

By Uncas Health District | October 23, 2024

Halloween is a favorite holiday for both children and adults, but it is important to make safe and healthy choices while enjoying the occasion. Here are some tips for parents on how everyone can enjoy a safe and healthy Halloween.

RECALL ALERT: Frozen Waffle Products Recalled for Potential Listeria Contamination

By Uncas Health District | October 22, 2024

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of certain frozen waffle products listed below due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. 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. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term … Read more

CT reports season's first flu deaths

DPH Confirms Connecticut’s First Influenza Deaths of Flu Season

By Uncas Health District | October 16, 2024

Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, confirmed the first two deaths of state residents due to influenza (flu) for the 2024-25 respiratory viral disease season. The announcement came at a news conference this morning where Governor Ned Lamont received his COVID-19 and flu vaccines. The first influenza death occurred in an adult … Read more

woman receiving vaccine at home

Uncas Health District Homebound Program Provides At-Home Vaccines

By Uncas Health District | October 10, 2024

For many people, getting a flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine is as simple as visiting their local pharmacy or doctor’s office. But for some, mobility challenges or health conditions make leaving home difficult, if not impossible. To meet the needs of these individuals, Uncas Health District proudly offers a homebound vaccine program — a crucial … Read more

Recall Alert: USDA Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Cranberry Chicken Salad Products

By Uncas Health District | October 9, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for chicken salad products labeled as Cranberry Chicken Salad due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The product labeled as Cranberry Chicken Salad may actually contain Classic Chicken Salad, which contains wheat, a known allergen, that is not declared … Read more

several boxes of COVID-19 tests

Free COVID-19 Tests Available Again

By Patrick McCormack | October 9, 2024

Every household in the United States is eligible to receive four additional free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests, delivered straight to your door. You can order these tests at no cost, including free shipping, by visiting covidtests.gov. Extended Shelf Life for COVID-19 Tests Many COVID-19 test kits now have extended expiration dates, meaning they may still … Read more

woman receiving mammogram

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: The Importance of Screening and Early Detection

By Uncas Health District | September 27, 2024

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: The Importance of Screening and Early Detection Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is projected that 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, and 42,500 women are expected … Read more

fruit fly trap

Fruit Flies: Why They’re Common in the Fall, the Health Risks They Pose, and Safe Ways to Get Rid of Them

By Uncas Health District | September 26, 2024

As the weather cools and autumn sets in, many people notice an uptick in fruit flies buzzing around their homes. These tiny insects are more than just a nuisance — they thrive in the fall when ripe fruit, sugary drinks, and compost bins attract them in greater numbers. Understanding why fruit flies are so common during this season, the health risks they … Read more

young boy with a backpack coughing into his hand.

Understanding RSV: How to Protect Your Child During Peak Season

By Uncas Health District | September 19, 2024

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common and contagious virus that affects the respiratory system, especially in infants and young children. While it often presents as a mild cold, RSV can lead to severe complications in some cases, making it important for parents to be informed about when the virus is most prevalent, the symptoms … Read more

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