Latest Uncas Health District News
Hurricane season: What to do if a major storm impacts Southeastern CT
Hurricane season is upon us, and while Connecticut is not as frequently affected by hurricanes as some southern coastal areas, it is not immune to the potential impacts of these powerful storms. To ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones during hurricane season, it’s crucial to be prepared. Here are some … 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
School is Back — Let’s Have a Safe, Happy, and Healthy School Year
School is back in session! With a new school year upon us, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Here are some valuable safety tips to help parents, guardians, and caregivers ensure their children’s safety as they embark on a new academic journey. Safe Transportation: Whether your child walks, bikes, or takes the bus to school, it’s … 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
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