dph - UNCAS Health District

Flu Update: 51 New Cases Reported in First Week of April

April 24, 2024April 10, 2024 by Uncas Health District

2023-24 continues to be a busy flu season, as 51 new influenza cases were identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District, according to April 6, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 987 cases in the district.

Those aged 18-49 represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 379 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 208 cases. It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

To help prevent the spread of flu and other illnesses, please remember to:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places or around sick people.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid making others sick.

Stay safe and healthy!

Additional Flu Resources

Flu Update: Busy Flu Season Continues as Nearly 80 New Cases Reported

March 28, 2024March 19, 2024 by Patrick McCormack

In what continues to be one of the busiest flu seasons in recent memory, 79 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to March 15, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 811 cases in the district.

Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 286 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 174 cases. It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

Even though spring has sprung, flu season is far from over. It is important to remain cautious, and it’s not too late to receive your flu vaccine. Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Talk to your doctor today about getting vaccinated – it’s still your best defense against influenza. Remember to:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places or around sick people.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid making others sick.

Stay safe and healthy!

Additional Flu Resources

Flu Update: 72 Reported Cases in District This Flu Season (Dec. 9)

January 9, 2024December 13, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

72 influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to December 9, 2023, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers mark an increase of 18 cases from the reporting period ending December 2, 2023.

It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

Flu cases are likely to continue rising throughout the winter months, so it is important to get your flu vaccination if you have not already.

Uncas Health District will be offering a number of Flu Vaccine Clinics throughout December.

Mondays in December (except Dec. 25)

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please call (860) 823-1189 to make an appointment.

Tuesday, December 26 + Thursday, December 28

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Walk-ins accepted. No appointment is necessary.

DPH Confirms Connecticut’s First Flu and RSV Deaths of Season

November 20, 2023November 9, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed the first deaths of state residents due to influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the 2023-24 respiratory viral disease season. The influenza death occurred in an adult resident, 80-89 years old, from Middlesex County, and the RSV death occurred in an adult resident, 80-89 years old, from New Haven County. No other information on these patients will be released.

During October, 67 COVID-19-associated deaths have also been reported in Connecticut residents. Historically, in Connecticut, most deaths from COVID-19 have been among people aged 55 and older.

“This is a tragic reminder that the 2023-24 respiratory viral disease season is already an active one. As we approach the holidays, I strongly encourage all Connecticut residents to make sure they are up to date on their seasonal vaccines, particularly older individuals and those with multiple medical conditions,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Even if you have had COVID before and have been previously vaccinated, our immunity dwindles over time. Getting vaccinated this fall will help you protect yourself and other members of your family as we enter the holiday season. In addition, preventing illnesses, even if they might have been mild infections, will help keep our children in school and adults at work. A healthier society at large will help all of us live our best lives.”

The current vaccine guidance to prevent respiratory viral diseases is:

Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an annual dose of influenza vaccine.
Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Adults 60 and older and pregnant people are eligible to receive an RSV vaccine (Abrysvo). A monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during—or who are entering—RSV season.
The spread of respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV can also be prevented through proper respiratory virus etiquette. These practices include hand-washing, remaining home when sick, disinfecting surfaces, and masking if you have any respiratory symptoms.
Residents can receive their vaccines from their healthcare provider, a retail pharmacy, or by visiting vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you. Additionally, DPH and the Connecticut Immunization Coalition are partnering with local health departments throughout the state on numerous vaccine clinics for children and adults. The entire schedule of local health clinics can be accessed at https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aWVXd/5/.

More information about respiratory viral diseases is available at https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Infectious-Diseases/RVD/Respiratory-Viral-Disease-Surveillance.

Influenza Resources from Uncas Health District

Press Release: state officials report positive mosquitoes for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Voluntown

October 23, 2023September 13, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

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 towns with EEE infected mosquitoes identified in the state by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station this year. The mosquitoes were Culiseta melanura (2) and Psorophora ferox (1). Connecticut residents are reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.

“We encourage residents of southeastern Connecticut to take simple measures such as wearing mosquito repellent and covering bare skin, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,” said Patrick McCormack, MPH, Director of Health.

EEE is a serious but rare illness caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can only acquire the virus by feeding on infected wild birds. In most years, the virus is found only in species of mosquitoes which feed on birds, but occasionally the virus can be passed on to other mosquito species known to bite people and horses. The virus cannot be passed from person to person or from horses to humans. The risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases such as EEE virus usually increases through the late summer and early fall. Mosquitoes are active until the first heavy frost.

Infection with EEE virus can cause serious illness affecting the brain. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, and decreased consciousness. The disease is fatal in 25-50 percent of cases and many of those who recover experience lasting health problems. Individuals with symptoms suggestive of EEE infection should contact their physician immediately. No human vaccine against EEE virus infection or specific antiviral treatment for clinical EEE virus infections is available.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes residents should:

Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect babies when outdoors.
Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.

Connecticut Mosquito Management Program

The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, and the University of Connecticut Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science. These agencies are responsible for monitoring the potential public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

The CAES maintains a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 89 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday through Thursday nights at each site every 10 days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on the CAES website at http://www.ct.gov/caes/mosquitotesting.

For information on EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases, what can be done to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, the latest mosquito test results and human infections, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program web site at https://portal.ct.gov/mosquito.

Norwich Cooling Center to open for forecasted extreme heat September 5-7

September 5, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

With temperatures expected to reach the low 90s this week, the Norwich Cooling Center at the Rose City Senior Center will be open 5:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5, Wednesday, Sept. 6, and Thursday, Sept. 7. The cooling center, located at 8 Mahan Drive in Norwich, has a capacity of 200.

Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Health has issued a reminder to all state residents to be very cautious when outside and to make sure they remain cool and hydrated.

From the DPH:

With temperatures anticipated to rise close to or into the low 90s this week, Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, is reminding individuals who will be spending time outside or in non-air-conditioned spaces to be cautious during periods of intense heat during the day.

The current forecast indicates that temperatures over this period will rise close to or into the low 90s, and the heat index is expected to reach into the mid-90s in certain inland areas of the state. On Monday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that he is directing Connecticut’s extreme hot weather protocol to be activated effective at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 5, and remaining in effect through 8 pm. on Thursday, Sept. 7.

“While Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer, that doesn’t mean that we won’t continue to see high temperatures that will feel very hot and humid,” said Commissioner Juthani. “During this heat wave, residents should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in cooler air-conditioned/shaded areas, and limit the time spent in direct sun. Additionally, more physical tasks should take place in the morning or evening, when the sun is less intense, and temperatures are cooler.”

Commissioner Juthani added that those who are experiencing heat stress should call for medical assistance immediately. Although anyone can be affected by heat-stress, those working outside are at a particularly high risk including:

Older individuals (over 65 years of age) who may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature
Those performing frequent high-exertion tasks (lifting, digging, walking) who may become dehydrated quickly and experience more intense heat stress
Those who have underlying health conditions, especially heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, or who take certain medications that put them at risk

Follow the steps below to stay cool and hydrated while working in the heat:

Stay Cool

Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.

Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must work outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the mornings and evenings.
Avoid working in direct sunlight and wear lightweight, light-colored, and moisture-wicking clothing.
Check on family members, especially those most at risk often.
If you feel ill working in the heat, notify a family member and stop working.

Stay Hydrated

Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.

Drink more water than usual; do not wait until you are thirsty to drink more liquids.
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
Drink about four cups of water every hour while working outside.
Remind others to drink enough water.

For more information about steps that employers and workers can take to reduce the risk of heat-related illness, contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Occupational Health Program at (860) 509-7740 or email dph.occhealth@ct.gov.

DPH confirms 4 cases of tick-transmitted Powassan virus in CT this year

October 23, 2023August 22, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

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; two of the infections were fatal last year.

Two male patients aged 60 years and older, residents of Middlesex County and Litchfield County, became ill during early July. Two female patients aged 50 years and older, residents of Windham and Litchfield County, became ill during late July. Laboratory tests performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Laboratory in Ft. Collins, CO, confirmed the presence of antibodies to POWV for all patients. All patients reported a known tick bite and were hospitalized with a central nervous system disease. They have been discharged and are recovering.

“The identification of four Connecticut residents with Powassan virus-associated illness emphasizes the importance of taking actions to protect yourself from tick bites from now through the late fall,”; said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Using insect repellent, avoiding areas where ticks are likely, and checking carefully for ticks after being outside can reduce the chance of you or your children being infected with this virus.”

According to Goudarz Molaei, PhD, MSc, a chief scientist who also directs the Connecticut Tick and Tick-borne Pathogen Surveillance Program at the Agricultural Experiment Station, “In recent years we have been receiving a higher than usual number of ticks, and this year so far, the laboratory has received 4,616 tick submissions, including 3,089 blacklegged ticks, from state residents directly or through health departments and physicians’ offices, in comparison to 1,889 blacklegged ticks in 2022.”

“The persistent and expanding threat posed by blacklegged ticks, coupled with ongoing range expansion and establishment in new areas of invasive ticks, the Asian long horned tick, the Gulf Coast tick, and the lone star tick, and the confirmation of four Powassan virus disease cases in Connecticut residents, highlights the increasing public health challenges associated with ticks and tick-borne diseases.” said Dr. Molaei.

Powassan virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected blacklegged, or deer tick. It takes from one week to one month after the bite of an infected tick to develop symptoms of POWV disease, and the virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the tick first attaches. Powassan virus associated illness has been reported from early spring until late fall.

While most people infected with POWV likely experience no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness, some people will develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system. About one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal and approximately half of survivors experience long-term health problems. Severe cases may begin with fever, vomiting, headache, or weakness and rapidly progress to confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, or seizures. There is no vaccine nor a specific treatment for POWV associated illness. Severe illness is treated by supportive therapy which may include hospitalization, respiratory support, and hydration.

Tips for preventing tick bites

Avoid areas where ticks are likely to be, such as in in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Ticks are active from
spring to fall and may also be active on warmer days during winter.
Consider the use of CDC-recommended mosquito/tick repellents, containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon
eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone, and apply according to directions, when outdoors. However, repellents
containing >30% DEET have been reported to be the most effective.
Check yourself, your children, and your pet animals for ticks immediately after coming indoors. Showering
within two hours of coming indoors may be effective in reducing the risk of tick-borne disease.
Examine clothing and gear carefully after coming indoors. Tumble dry clothing in a dryer on high heat for at
least 10 minutes to kill ticks that were carried inside.
Talk to your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products for your dog.
Consider treating items such as boots, clothing, and hiking or camping gear with products containing 0.5
percent permethrin.

For information on Powassan virus and how to prevent tick bites, visit https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/index.html

Find more tips on tick removal and testing here.

DPH announces first case of West Nile virus infection this year

October 23, 2023August 21, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

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 Haven County and is between 50-59 years of age. She became ill during the third week of July with West Nile fever and has since recovered. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of antibodies to WNV.

“As we approach the end of summer and continue to enjoy time outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors, it is important to prevent mosquito bites to reduce your risk of exposure to West Nile virus infection,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Using insect repellent, covering bare skin, and avoiding being outdoors during the hours of dusk and dawn are effective ways to help keep you from being bitten by mosquitoes.”

“The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most abundant in urban and suburban areas and are most active between dusk and dawn.  We anticipate continued risk for human infection until mosquito activity subsides in October,” added Philip Armstrong, ScD, medical entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

West Nile virus has been detected in Connecticut every year since 1999 and is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the US. Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. About one in five people who are infected develop West Nile fever, an illness which includes a fever and other symptoms such as body aches, joint pain, headache, or a rash. About one out of 150 infected people develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system. About one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal. People over the age of 60 are at highest risk of serious illness.

Tips for reducing mosquitoes around homes

Mosquitoes require water for reproduction. The following are measures that can help reduce mosquitoes:

Eliminate standing water suitable for mosquitoes. Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.
Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling
Clean clogged roof gutters.
Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. When pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain when necessary.

Tips for avoiding mosquito bites when outdoors

Mosquitoes require a blood meal for reproduction. The following are measures that can help reduce bites from mosquitoes that feed on people:
Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven and loose fitting.
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
Consider the use of CDC-recommended mosquito repellents, containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone, and apply according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.
When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6 percent lasts approximately two hours and 20% for four hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than two months old.
Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair to avoid mosquito bites when indoors.

The CAES maintains a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 87 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday through Thursday nights at each site every ten days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on the CAES website at http://www.ct.gov/caes/mosquitotesting.

For information on West Nile virus and how to prevent mosquito bites, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Web site at www.ct.gov/mosquito.

Ice cream recall: National Listeriosis outbreak being traced to “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups

October 23, 2023August 18, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

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 illnesses related to this outbreak have been identified in Connecticut. There have been Listeria infections in other states that have been linked to this product.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections potentially linked to “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups produced by Real Kosher Ice Cream of Brooklyn, NY.

In response to these findings, Real Kosher Ice Cream has been cooperating with the FDA investigation and voluntarily recalled all flavors of “Soft Serve On The Go” 8-oz cups. This product was distributed to retailers in several states including Connecticut. Real Kosher Ice Cream has temporarily stopped production of these products. The recalled product is packaged in an 8 fl. oz. clear plastic cup. The product looks like a soft serve cup served in an ice cream store, with a clear plastic cover with a seal and spoon attached to it.

DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD said, “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. Those exposed to Listeria can have symptoms occur within a few hours or as long as two to three days after eating foods that are contaminated. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics, so anyone who suspects they may have the illness should contact their health care provider.”

FDA’s investigation is ongoing and updates to this advisory will be provided as they become available. Consumers should discontinue consumption of the product immediately. Please dispose of this product or return to your store of purchase for full credit. Consumers with questions may contact our Soft Serve on the Go team at: 845-668-4346 or info@softserveonthego.com. Monday thru Friday 9 am to 5 pm EST.

Grocery and convenience stores that carry the brand are asked to remove the ice cream and contact the
manufacturer by calling 845-668-4346 or email info@softserveonthego.com. Monday thru Friday 9am to 5 pm
EST.

For more information about listeriosis and this outbreak, visit www.cdc.gov. For more information about the recall, go to www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm.