Town Issues COVID and Summer Public Health Updates

Source: Amherst Public Health Department

Recent news stories have focused on increasing COVID levels in Massachusetts over the last few weeks (see also here). This has been the case in Amherst as well.  See below for more information about the current COVID situation, as well as some additional summer public health updates.  

COVID-19

• According to wastewater surveillance reports, there was a significant spike in COVID-19 levels in Amherst starting on July 11 and peaking about a week later. Spikes like these are usually predictive of an increase in COVID cases. We are also hearing from community members and co-workers about COVID cases in their households, as well as events and gatherings that have resulted in numerous people becoming infected. 
• While these data suggest that the current COVID variant is highly contagious, cases are reportedly mild with people recovering quickly. There was only a slight increase in hospitalizations for COVID in mid-July and more recent data show the rates to be coming down again. See the Mass Department of Public Health’s respiratory disease-related dashboards for more information.
• COVID wastewater levels in Amherst have been decreasing over the last week and a half and are now back under what is considered to be the measure of substantial infection. However, with this demonstrated increase in COVID circulating in the community, we are encouraging people to consider wearing a mask when traveling, gathering indoors in large numbers or spending time with people who may be more susceptible to respiratory infection.
• Amherst is fortunate to have been part of a pilot project that allows us access to ongoing wastewater surveillance through at least the end of this year. We encourage everyone to consult the wastewater reports to stay informed about the current levels locally and to consider taking preventive measures as necessary.
• The Public Health Department does have a supply of COVID tests available for the community. If you need a test kit, please stop by our office located at the Bangs Center to pick one up.
• Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are advised to consider wearing masks at larger gatherings to reduce the risk of contracting COVID. For the latest guidance from the CDC on respiratory viruses, click here. The Amherst Public Health Department will be hosting Flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics this Fall as soon as the vaccines become available. Stay tuned for updates on these clinics in the coming weeks.

Ticks and mosquitoes

• The Amherst Public Health Department is a member of the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District (PVMCD) which performs weekly surveillance of mosquitoes in our area. As of July 13, there were no mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus (WNV) or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in the Pioneer Valley.
• According to Mass DPH, there were 18 mosquito samples testing positive for EEE and 75 mosquito samples testing positive for WNV in Massachusetts. For the latest information on local risk levels and daily case data from the Massachusetts Arbovirus Update, click here                      .
• While no human or animal cases of EEE or WNV virus have been detected this year so far, it’s important to take steps to prevent mosquito bites. Apply insect repellent when outdoors, be aware of peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn), and wear clothing to help reduce mosquito bites.
• Public Health Department staff have followed up on several cases of tick-borne disease at levels that are customary for this time of year.
• Check out the latest updates, safety tips, and other helpful information on our Tick and Mosquito pages, including information about residential mosquito spraying. 

Dengue Fever

• While WNV and EEE are the most common mosquito-borne diseases, the CDC reports that there have been a significant number of dengue fever cases in Massachusetts. As of July 26, Massachusetts is one of three states reporting the highest number of cases, according to CDC data. Cases have risen to 62 so far this month, up from 50 cases last month.
• These cases are likely travel-related infections, as dengue fever is not native to Massachusetts. The primary mosquito species that transmit the virus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are also uncommon in our area and dengue fever cannot be transmitted between humans, only from mosquito to human, so locally acquired infection is unlikely.
• However, staying informed, observing the usual precautions for preventing mosquito-borne illness and recognizing the symptoms of dengue fever can help you access treatment if necessary. Dengue fever symptoms include fever with aches and pains, pain behind the eyes, nausea and vomiting. About 5% of cases can be severe, resulting in shock, internal bleeding, and death.

Staying Cool

• As the summer heat continues, it’s important to remember how to stay safe and healthy during periods of extreme temperatures, as they can impact your well-being. Check out the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) extreme heat safety tips here              .
• Find local places to cool down. The Jones Library and Bangs Center serve as designated Cooling Centers on extremely hot days. Additionally, some local pools are free and open to the public during extreme heat. For more information about pool access, contact the Recreation Department or click here              .
• Local natural bodies of water, such as ponds and rivers, that are not regulated by local Boards of Health are designated as swim-at-your-own-risk due to the high risk of infection. Puffer’s Pond is a popular local resource that falls into this category. The Conservation Department oversees Puffer’s Pond and conducts water testing. For the latest information and results, click here              .
• To check if other local bodies of water are safe for swimming, check out MDPH’s Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard here .              .

Update on Opioid Settlement Survey 

• Hampshire HOPE is still gathering community feedback on how to spend the opioid settlement funds that have been allocated to our community. Click here for the Survey!              
• Please consider completing the survey and sharing it with others. It should not take much more than 10 minutes to complete. We especially want to hear from those who have been most affected by the opioid crisis. For more information about the opioid settlement funds, click here               .

Other Recent Public Health Advisories

Fish Consumption Advisory for the Connecticut River

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a fish consumption advisory for the Connecticut River due to the detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). DPH is recommending that sensitive populations should not eat any fish from the Connecticut River. The general population should limit consumption of fish from the Connecticut River to 2 meals/month. 

To get the full Freshwater Fish Consumption Advisory List report, click here. For guidance on how to minimize exposure to PFAS in local fish, visit DPH’s fact sheet here.

Potential Expsoure to Measles in Massachusetts

On June 29, 2024, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) reported a case of measles in an international visitor who traveled from Boston to Amsterdam on June 22 while infectious. The individual used public transportation, potentially exposing others to the virus. Measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. DPH urges vaccination as the best protection against the disease. Individuals uncertain about their immunization status should get the MMR vaccine, which can prevent the disease if administered within 72 hours of exposure. 

Exposures might have occurred on June 22 at specific locations, including the Dartmouth Coach bus from Hanover, NH, to Boston’s Logan Airport, and Terminal E at Logan Airport. Those exposed should contact their healthcare provider to verify their immunization status and should avoid visiting healthcare facilities unless necessary, in which case they should wear a mask. People vaccinated according to CDC guidelines or those who have had measles are considered immune. For more information call DPH at 617-983-6800, or visit DPH’s measles page here.

Questions? Contact the Amherst Public Health Department by emailing publichealth@amherstma.gov or calling 413-259-3077.