Latest Uncas Health District News
Asthma attacks are common in early fall — how to reduce your risk
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. This can make breathing difficult and trigger wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma attacks can be mild or severe, and they can even be life-threatening. Why Are Asthma Attacks Common in Early Fall? There are a few reasons why asthma … Read more
Check your mental health at Fresh Check Day — Sept. 27 at Three Rivers Community College
On Wednesday, September 27, members of the Uncas Health District team will be heading to CT State Community College Three Rivers (formerly Three Rivers Community College) for Fresh Check Day — an uplifting mental health promotion and suicide prevention event for colleges that includes interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, support of multiple campus departments and … Read more
Suicide Prevention Month: creating hope through action
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide and its prevention. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24. There are many warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide. These signs … Read more
Press Release: state officials report positive mosquitoes for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Voluntown
Voluntown, Conn. — The Uncas Health District is advising residents in southeastern Connecticut to protect themselves and their children from mosquitoes to reduce the chance of contracting eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus. Mosquitoes trapped in the Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown on September 5, 2023 have tested positive for EEE. Voluntown is one of six … Read more
DPH announces second case of West Nile virus infection in CT 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 second human case of WNV-associated illness identified in Connecticut this season. The patient, who is between 50–59 years … Read more
When to Take an At-Home COVID-19 Test
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 … Read more
Celebrate Labor Day Safely: Cookout Safety Tips from Uncas Health District
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 … Read more
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