Public Health Update #1

Since the Board of Health’s last Covid update on January 11th, our community has responded to the need for Covid vaccination, and we now have a very high vaccination rate among all age groups.  Within our community, 85% of all eligible (age 12 years and above) West Newbury residents are fully vaccinated and 94% partially vaccinated.  The State of Massachusetts is currently following an uptick in cases after a quiet month of June.  As of August 12th, Essex County had a 14-day positivity rate of 2.99%, while West Newbury had a rate of 1.34%.   These numbers are low, but this is a wake-up call that reminds us that the COVID virus is not going away soon.  We continue to encourage all unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals to be completely vaccinated.  A list of vaccination sites can be obtained at: COVID-19 Vaccine Availability | Mass.gov.

 

As we have worked so hard together to put this pandemic behind us, remember that the virus is still causing sickness and death throughout our country and state.  The emergence of the Delta variant is continually causing concerns for transmission and sickness especially with unvaccinated individuals and children who are not currently eligible to receive the vaccine.  Even with West Newbury's high COVID vaccination rates, we all should continue basic infectious disease prevention by washing our hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if you are sick. 

 

The West Newbury Health Agent and Public Health nurse have resumed weekly meetings and discussions with the school district administration regarding policies related to COVID-19 for the new school year. We would like to thank all of our residents for their continued support, respect, and consideration of others as we approach the beginning of the academic school year.  We will continue to provide updates as needed.

 

The MA Department of Public Health has continued to improve the availability of information on COVID-19, including their interactive dashboard.  COVID-19 Response Reporting | Mass.gov.  

The most recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information can be obtained at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

 

Finally, if you suspect being exposed to COVID-19 or if you develop a fever, flu like symptoms, and/or respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.

 

 

Currently mosquito samples from our region have identified an increase in the population of the mosquito species that are known to carry and transmit West Nile Virus (WNV) & Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).  This increase is contributed to the frequent rain events followed by periods of hot weather.  As fall approaches, residents should again be reminded of the need for mosquito bite prevention strategies as we enter into the time of year when WNV & EEE is most likely to be identified within our mosquito population.  General information can be obtained from the MA DEP website at: Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.gov. West Newbury is a member of the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control & Wetlands Management District.  This is the organization that conducts mosquito surveillance within our Town and provides other resources to the community.  Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District | (nemassmosquito.org)

 

 

With COVID taking the public health spotlight for more than 18 months now, residents are reminded of the need to be vigilant in preventing tick borne diseases.  These little critters can cause several diseases across all age groups and, if not properly diagnosed, could potentially lead to life long lasting effects.  Information of tick identification and preventative measures can be found at www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention