Latest Uncas Health District News
CT Reports West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes in 22 Towns
The State Mosquito Management Program is warning Connecticut residents about the increasing risk of West Nile virus (WNV) infection this season. So far, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) has detected WNV-infected mosquitoes in 22 towns: Branford, Bridgeport, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, East Haven, Fairfield, Greenwich, Manchester, Meriden, Milford, Montville, New Britain, New Haven, North Branford, … Read more
Keeping Young Athletes Safe from Heat & Concussions
As students return to school, fall sports are also getting underway. Soccer, football, cross-country, field hockey, cheerleading, and other activities bring important opportunities for exercise, teamwork, and connection – but the first weeks of the season can also present health and safety risks. Late-summer practices often take place during hot, humid weather, sometimes before athletes … Read more
Immunization Awareness Month: Staying Up to Date at Every Age
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an opportunity to check in on one of the most important tools available for preventing infectious disease: vaccination. Immunizations are not just a childhood health measure. Vaccines need to change throughout life based on age, health history, occupation, travel, pregnancy, and other factors. Staying current with recommended vaccines can … Read more
The Back-to-School Vaccine Checklist: Preschool Through Grade 12
As families prepare for a new school year, immunization records should be part of the back-to-school checklist. Connecticut requires students enrolled in preschool through Grade 12 to have certain vaccinations based on their age and grade level. These requirements help protect individual students while reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses in schools and throughout the … Read more
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