public health

Uncas Health District Response to Recent Public Health Funding Cuts

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While the Uncas Health District (UHD) is impacted by the decision to immediately stop work on essential programs that were contractually obligated by the federal government, the staff of UHD continues to provide our communities with the highest level of professional service possible.

This document details the recent cuts to state and local public health in Connecticut and how these impact immunization efforts, programs to address health disparities, and other important services.

We hope that the decision-makers at the federal and state levels will continue to recognize our work and provide the resources needed to protect and serve our residents.

On behalf of all of us at UHD, we thank you for your support.

 

Read more from the Uncas Health District

How Checking Your Vaccination Status Helps Prevent the Spread of Measles

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With measles cases rising across the United States, the Connecticut Department of Public Health recently encouraged all Connecticut residents to verify their vaccination status. By doing so, people can ensure that their protection against measles is adequate and take steps to update their vaccination if needed.

As of March 20th, 2025, there were 378 confirmed cases of measles across 18 jurisdictions in the United States. These cases have led to one confirmed death and one death under investigation, and have overwhelmingly affected people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

No cases have emerged in Connecticut, and the state’s strong vaccination rate is a good step toward herd immunity. This occurs when at least 95 percent of a community has been vaccinated against a disease, helping to stop its spread and protecting those in the community who are unable to receive the vaccine.

Here’s how you can check your vaccination status and see if you may need to take action to help strengthen the health of the community.

 

How a Vaccination Status Check Works

To check your vaccination status, you need to look up your medical records to confirm that you received a measles vaccine. The Connecticut Department of Public Health provides an immunization portal to safely and securely check your vaccine status or that of your child. This system began collecting records for children in 1998 and adults in 2022.

You can also check with your doctor’s office to see if they have immunization records on file. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults can potentially find this information from childhood records, school health departments, or past employers.

Since it can sometimes be challenging to find these records, a doctor can also order a blood test to determine your immunity to measles. The measles titer test measures the level of measles antibodies in your blood to determine if you have sufficient protection. 

 

When You Might Need to Update Your Measles Vaccine

The measles vaccine was first licensed in the United States in 1963. Since 1971, it has been available as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to provide protection against additional diseases.

Your protection against measles is significantly dependent on your age:

  • People born before 1957: These individuals are generally considered immune to measles due to widespread exposure to the disease during this time.
  • People born between 1958 to 1962: These individuals were born shortly before the measles vaccine became available. This creates some uncertainty over whether they contracted measles or received a measles vaccine, so it is recommended that they confirm their immunity.
  • People born between 1963 and 1967: Some people born during this period received a killed or inactivated measles vaccine, which was later found to be less effective against the disease. These individuals should receive at least one dose of the live attenuated MMR vaccine.
  • People born between 1968 and 1989: During this period, those who got the MMR vaccine received one dose. Beginning in 1989, a two-dose regimen was recommended after research showed that some people did not develop full immunity from a single dose. If you were born during this time, it is recommended that you get a blood test to see if you need to receive a second dose.
  • People born after 1989: People vaccinated during this period fall within the current recommendation of receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine for optimal protection.

If you are unsure of your vaccination history, it is recommended that you get one dose of the MMR vaccine. 

 

Who Can (and Cannot) Get the Measles Vaccine

All children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine. The first dose is typically given between 12 and 15 months of age, while the second dose is given between ages 4 and 6. The vaccine is also recommended for infants between the ages of 6 and 11 months who are traveling internationally or to areas within the United States where there is an active measles transmission.

The vaccine can also be administered to adults who are unvaccinated or who show evidence of inadequate immunity. People who may be at higher risk of contracting measles, such as health care workers or international travelers, should ensure that they have been vaccinated and have strong immunity.

Your doctor may recommend that you not get the MMR vaccine if there is a concern that it might cause health complications. The vaccine is typically not recommended for:

  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to gelatin or neomycin, which are components of the vaccine
  • Individuals who have weakened immune systems due to certain medical conditions or treatments (e.g., cancer, HIV, or high doses of corticosteroids)
  • People with active tuberculosis

Protecting our community from measles requires collective effort. By checking your vaccination status and ensuring you are fully immunized, you can help prevent the spread of this preventable disease.

For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Meet the Uncas Health District Medical Reserve Corps

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The Uncas Health District oversees several programs to promote public health in Eastern Connecticut, one of which relies on the dedication of volunteers to provide assistance during emergencies. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is part of a national network of people working to strengthen local readiness and reduce potential vulnerabilities during such incidents.

Here’s a look at how the MRC under the Uncas Health District has made a difference:

 

Who Makes Up the MRC?

The Medical Reserve Corps consists of both medical professionals and non-medical support staff. The MRC administered by the Uncas Health District serves the towns of Bozrah, Griswold, Franklin, Lebanon, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, and Voluntown.

This is one of four MRCs in Eastern Connecticut. Additional regions are served through the Eastern Highlands Health District, Ledge Light Health District, and Northeast District Department of Health.

 

What Does the MRC Do?

The Medical Reserve Corps is divided into teams to provide prompt assistance in the event of a natural disaster or other serious incidents. These teams specialize in dispensing supplies, providing medical aid, supporting operations virtually, and sharing information through local cable access television.

Volunteers receive free training through CT-Train, and participate in exercises, drills, and courses to develop and practice their skills. These preparations help develop expertise in topics like psychological first aid, CPR and first aid, Stop the Bleed and Until Help Arrives lifesaving skills, personal emergency preparedness, bloodborne pathogens, and FEMA incident management practices.

The Uncas MRC participates in numerous events throughout the year, including flu clinics, health expos, recruitment fairs, and more to raise awareness of its work and share information on emergency preparedness. It has also filmed a local public access television talk show called Public Health Matters, cross-trained with the Montville chapter of the American Red Cross on emergency sheltering, and assisted with public health measures such as at-home COVID vaccinations, food drives, and blood pressure clinics.

 

MRC Statistics

The Uncas MRC was established in February 2007 and currently includes 70 volunteers — 53 with medical expertise and 17 non-medical supporters.

During one typical five-year period, the Uncas MRC responded to 57 incidents or events. It contributed 460.25 volunteer hours with a total economic value of $17,619.

The team was particularly busy during COVID-19. A total of 45 MRC activations were related to the pandemic.

 

Joining the MRC

The Uncas Health Districts invites new members to join the Medical Reserve Corps and help make a difference! No experience is necessary, and you can complete the initial intake form at CTResponds to get started.

For more information on the MRC, click here. You can also contact MRC coordinator Sara Darlagiannis directly at 508-207-3177 or [email protected] with any questions.

Doing Your Part to Stop the Spread of Tuberculosis

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Tuberculosis is often regarded as a bygone disease, since its mortality rate has declined rapidly with the advent of modern sanitation practices and public health measures. Yet it’s important to remember that while there has been amazing progress in preventing and treating tuberculosis, it still affects millions of people each year and is the leading cause of death from an infectious disease.

March 24th is World Tuberculosis Day, recognizing the anniversary of Dr. Robert Koch’s discovery in 1882 of the Myobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that causes the disease. This breakthrough allowed for considerable advances in screening methods, treatments, and other ways to address the disease. National Tuberculosis Day serves to raise awareness of tuberculosis, including the ongoing challenges it creates and the opportunities for preventing and treating the illness.

 

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB). It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain (extrapulmonary TB).

Symptoms of TB may include:

  • A persistent cough (lasting three weeks or longer)
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm)
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Night sweats

 

Why Tuberculosis Remains a Serious Health Issue

Despite significant advancements in detecting and treating tuberculosis, it continues to pose a serious public health issue. The disease can easily be spread when an infected person coughs, speaks, or otherwise distributes airborne water droplets. Without proper treatment, TB can lead to serious illness or death.

Other factors that can increase the risk and seriousness of TB infection include:

  • Disproportionate impact: TB is more likely to affect vulnerable populations living in poverty. Factors such as malnutrition, poor sanitation practices, overcrowded living conditions, and limited access to health care can all create environments where TB can spread rapidly.
  • Treatment challenges: TB treatment requires a long course of antibiotics, typically lasting six months or longer, and adherence to this regimen can be challenging.
  • Latent infection: Many people have latent TB infection, which means they are infected with the bacteria but do not actively show TB symptoms and are not contagious. However, latent infection can quickly develop into active disease, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
  • Drug resistance: The emergence of drug-resistant forms of TB has created strains of the disease that are more difficult to treat.

 

Tuberculosis and Co-Occurring Health Conditions

Health conditions that weaken the immune system can make a person more vulnerable to tuberculosis infection. These include diabetes, kidney disease, certain cancers, and people with substance use disorders.

TB is a leading cause of death among people who are HIV positive. HIV and TB form a dangerous synergy, with HIV weakening the immune system and making individuals more susceptible to TB infection and the progression of the disease.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the spread of tuberculosis and ensure successful outcomes. 

Diagnosis typically involves a three-step procedure:

  • A tuberculin skin test (TST) or blood test (IGRA), which determines if someone is infected with TB bacteria
  • Chest X-rays, which are conducted if the skin or blood tests are positive to look for signs of TB disease in the lungs.
  • Sputum tests, which are done if the chest X-ray suggests TB disease to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Treatment for TB involves a course of antibiotics, typically lasting six to nine months. Completing the entire course of medication is essential to prevent drug resistance, and directly observed therapy (DOT) may be used to ensure medication adherence.

 

What You Can Do

  • If you experience any tuberculosis symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection is a crucial factor in stopping the spread of the disease.
  • If you have been in close contact with someone who has TB, get tested.
  • Practice good respiratory hygiene, such as the “vampire technique” of covering your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing.

Read more from the Uncas Health District

RECALL ALERT: Gerber ‘Soothe N Chew’ Teething Sticks Recalled for Choking Hazard

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Gerber Products Company is initiating a recall and discontinuation of all batches of GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children.

GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS were distributed nationwide via the internet and to distribution centers and retail stores in the following states and territories: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI and Puerto Rico.

Recalled products can be identified as follows:

  • GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE
    Net Wt 3.2 Oz (90g) with UPC 0 15000 04618 7
    all lot codes
    Gerber Soothne n Chew Teething Sticks - Strawberry Apple
  • GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA
    Net Wt 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04608 8
    all lot codes
    Gerber Soothe n Chew Teething Sticks - Banana 3.2 oz
  • GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA
    Net Wt 1.59 Oz (45g), with UPC 0 15000 01015 7
    all lot codes
    Soothe n Chew Teething Sticks Box - Banana - 1.58 oz

This recall and discontinuation is isolated to GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE and GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA. 

The recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints of choking incidents. To date, one emergency room visit has been reported.

Consumers who may have purchased GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS should not feed this product to their child and can return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a refund. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a health care provider. For any additional support needed, Gerber is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).

Gerber is working with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on this recall and will cooperate with them fully.

Gerber sincerely apologizes for any concern or inconvenience this action represents to parents, caregivers and retail customers.

More FDA Recalls

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Detected in New London County

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backyard chickens and ducks

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) advises that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, or bird flu, was confirmed in a backyard flock in New London County on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The backyard flock, consisting of chickens, ducks, and peacocks, were family pets, not commercial poultry, and had close contact with wild waterfowl in a nearby pond.

Samples were sent to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) for testing. The results from CVMDL were then confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. H5N1 is highly contagious among domestic poultry, and at this time, there is no effective treatment or approved vaccine for the virus in poultry. The infected flock has been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Collaboration between state and federal partners is essential in preventing the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry and safeguarding the health of our farmworkers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Through a united approach, we are able to swiftly identify and respond to protect our food supply and ensure the health of our communities.”

All poultry owners and producers are advised to enhance biosecurity protocols to protect their backyard and commercial poultry flocks against H5N1.

“Biosecurity is the best defense for a flock owner to protect their birds from disease,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Thamus Morgan, DVM, MPH, DACVPM. “This should be top of mind for commercial and backyard hobby owners – we must all work together – to reduce the risk.”

Biosecurity Tips

Poultry biosecurity materials and checklists are on the USDA’s Defend the Flock website. Best practices include:

  • Keep wild birds and rodents out of poultry houses and coops.
  • Don’t let poultry have contact with migratory waterfowl or other wild birds.
  • Wash hands and boots before and after entering the poultry area.
  • Buy birds from reputable sources to receive healthy birds.
  • Restrict traffic onto and off your property.
  • Have a written biosecurity plan in place.

Signs of H5N1 infection include a sudden increase in bird deaths, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, watery or green diarrhea, lack of energy, poor appetite, drop in egg production, swelling around the eyes, neck, and head, and purple discoloration of wattles, combs, and legs.

Flock owners are encouraged to report anything unusual, incredibly sick, or dead birds to CT DoAg at 860-713-2505 or [email protected] or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

Human Risk Remains Low

No person-to-person spread of H5N1 has been detected to date, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to assess the risk to the general public as low. Residents are reminded that properly handling and cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F kills bacteria and viruses. No H5N1 virus detections in Connecticut have occurred to date in people, livestock, or other domestic animals. However, H5N1 continues to be detected sporadically in wild birds. Surveillance for cases in humans and animals is ongoing throughout the state.

“The current risk of infection from H5N1 to residents of Connecticut remains low.  While we have no evidence of human-to-human transmission at this time, we need to remain vigilant,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD.  “The CDC is currently monitoring numerous H5N1 cases throughout the country and tracking the spread of the virus in states where it has been identified in people or animals.

Read the DoAg Press Release Here

Quit Tobacco for Good: Free Cessation Program Now Available

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woman breaking cigarette

Want To Quit Tobacco For Good?

Join us for a FREE virtual Tobacco Cessation Program! Freedom From Smoking® via ZOOM!

  • Enjoy a supportive, science-based, community environment focused on behavior change.
  • Get assistance in preparing to quit, quitting, and not returning to tobacco use
  • Reprioritize other healthy behaviors, such as stress management, physical activity, and healthy eating, that support a tobacco-free lifestyle.
  • Participants can receive FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy (Patches, gum, lozenges) and the Freedom From Smoking® workbook. This program consists of eight sessions over seven weeks.

The program will be held virtually via ZOOM.

Tuesday nights at 6:30 PM, Starting January 21, 2025

Each session builds to the next, so attendance is important! Enrollment is limited. Sign-up Today!

Pre-registration is required to receive ZOOM link.

Contact Carolyn Wilson, MPH, CHES, NCTTP, CPS: [email protected] or call/text (860) 400-2072

This program is supported by the Preventive Health & Health Services Block Grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention.

Uncas Health District Offering Free Radon Test Kits

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House at night

January is officially recognized as Radon Action Month by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). This annual designation highlights the importance of addressing radon—a silent and invisible threat — in our homes and communities. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, following smoking, and it is the primary cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Uncas Health District is helping residents take proactive steps for their health. Throughout January 2025, the district will provide 50 free radon test kits on a first-come, first-serve basis. These kits are available exclusively to residents of Bozrah, Franklin, Griswold, Lebanon, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, and Voluntown.

How to Get Your Free Radon Test Kit

  • Pick-Up Location: Uncas Health District Office, located at the Uncas on Thames Campus, 401 West Thames Street, Norwich, Conn.
  • Eligibility: Test kits are only available to residents of the towns listed above.
  • Requirements: Residents must provide their contact information and the location where the test will be conducted for follow-up purposes.
  • Availability: Supplies are limited, so plan to visit early in January to secure your kit.

Testing your home for radon is a simple yet vital step in protecting your family’s health. If elevated radon levels are detected, mitigation measures can significantly reduce exposure.

Why Radon Testing Matters

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, or floors. While it is odorless and invisible, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels indoors, posing a significant health risk over time. Regular testing is the only way to detect its presence and ensure your living environment is safe.

Learn More About Radon

For additional information and resources about radon and how to protect your home, explore these links:

DPH: Make Sure Your Child’s Vaccinations are Up to Date

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happy vaccinated child

With 2025 just around the corner, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding parents to make sure their children’s immunizations are up to date.

The good news is that Connecticut school immunization rates are rebounding. The percentage of Connecticut kindergarten students receiving the required measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the 2023–2024 school year is 97.7%. This is an increase of 0.4% from the previous year. Among schools with more than 30 kindergarten students, compared with last year, there was a 3% increase in the number of schools with MMR vaccination rates at or above 95%. Parents and the public can access information on immunization completion rates for schools in Connecticut by visiting data.ct.gov and typing in school immunization survey data.

“It’s important for parents to check with their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “If parents have any questions or concerns about vaccinating their children, they should discuss them with their child’s primary care provider. We want to make sure every child attending school in Connecticut is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles.”

Earlier this fall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that Connecticut medical exemptions went up 0.1% and non-medical exemptions went down 0.4% from the 2022–2023 to 2023–2024 school years.

Additionally, coverage rates for Connecticut kindergartners increased from the 2022–2023 to 2023–2024 school years and remain above the national average.

High vaccination rates protect not only vaccinated children but also those who cannot or have not been vaccinated. This is called herd immunity. Schools that achieve herd immunity reduce the risk of outbreaks. High vaccination rates at schools are especially important for medically fragile children.

Some children have conditions that affect their immunity, such as illnesses that require chemotherapy. These children cannot be safely vaccinated, and, at the same time, they are less able to fight off illness when they are infected. They depend on herd immunity for their health and their lives.

“School attendance is foundational to learning and academic success, as well as to supporting students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being,” said Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker. “Ensuring students are healthy and ready to learn from the first day of school is critical, and immunizations are one of the many important tools that help create safe and supportive learning environments for all.”

Uncas Health District Has Flu Vaccines

Flu Shots are available through Uncas Health District. Vaccines are available through our Mobile Health Team or by appointment. To schedule, simply call 860-823-1189

There are still plenty of vaccine doses available, and flu shots are free for individuals with the following insurance plans:

  • Anthem BC/BS
  • Cigna
  • ConnectiCare
  • Medicare
  • TriCare
  • UnitedHealthCare

Thanks to a donation, individuals without insurance or with other insurance can also receive their flu vaccine at no cost this season. Normally, the standard-dose flu vaccine costs $20, and the high-dose flu vaccine is $65 for those without insurance.

Get Your Vaccination Record Online

To learn how to get you or your child’s vaccine record securely online, visit ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord. The CT WiZ Public Portal is a confidential and free service provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health Immunization Program.

Anyone with questions regarding the Connecticut Vaccine Program can call 860-509-7929 or email [email protected].

For more information about vaccines, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html

Public Water Systems Contacting CT Residents About Service Line Materials

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Woman filling a glass with tap water

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is notifying Connecticut residents who use public water systems for their drinking water that they will receive a notification from the public water system if their service lines are made of lead, galvanized (coated with a protective layer of zinc), requiring replacement, or are made of an unknown material.

If the service line is not in one of these categories, residents will not receive a notification from their water supplier. The service line is the pipe that carries water from the water supply main in the street to a home and/or building structure.

“I applaud the EPA and public water systems for taking these unprecedented steps to protect our communities from exposure to lead and other dangers in our drinking water,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “These rule changes from the EPA and the funding to implement them are vital to protect the public health of our
communities.”

Public water systems are required to notify all customers with lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown material in their service lines and repeat the notice on an annual basis until the service line has been replaced.

The communication that water companies are sending to their customers includes:

  • Information about the material used in the water service line
  • An explanation of the health risks associated with these hazardous materials
  • Simple steps to reduce exposure
  • Information on the plan to replace lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown material service lines
  • Information about opportunities to verify the material of the service line, if the material is unknown

To support communities in identifying and replacing lead and galvanized requiring replacement service lines, public water systems are encouraged to apply for assistance through the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF) Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Eligible projects include inventorying and replacing service lines from the public water main to customers’ plumbing.

For residents who have received a notification about your service line material, please contact your water company for more information to learn how they can replace or identify the material of your water line and find out how to test your water for lead. For more information about how to protect the rest of your home from lead, please visit
www.leadfreect.org