Latest Uncas Health District News
DPH confirms 4 cases of tick-transmitted Powassan virus in CT this year
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; … Read more
DPH announces first case of West Nile virus infection this year
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 … Read more
Ice cream recall: National Listeriosis outbreak being traced to “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups
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 … Read more
2 Connecticut deaths linked to Vibrio bacteria this summer
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 … Read more
When is it safe to swim in a naturally occurring body of water?
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, … Read more
Report: Mosquito activity “through the roof” in Connecticut
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 … Read more
Don’t wait, hydrate — the benefits of drinking more water
Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones. Water has no calories, so it can also help with managing body weight and reducing calorie intake … Read more
What is the CT Syringe Services Program?
Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) are community-based programs that provide access to sterile needles and syringes, facilitate safe disposal of used syringes, and provide and link to other important services and programs such as: Referral to substance use disorder treatment programs; Screening, care, and treatment for viral hepatitis and HIV; Education about overdose prevention and safer … Read more
Back to School: Get caught up with vaccines
We are just a few short weeks away from sending our children back to school for the 2023-24 academic year. While shopping for pencils, notebooks, and school clothes may be top of mind, Uncas Health District also reminds parents to ensure their children are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations. To help parents take care of … Read more
August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month
August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Within our state, the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition offers incredible resources and materials to support breastfeeding. This includes information on becoming a breastfeeding-friendly worksite and the applicable laws for employers. To learn more about the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition, please visit their website. About National Breastfeeding Awareness Month On August 6, … Read more