Category Archives: health

Coronavirus resources

Posted on March 5, 2020 | Comments Off on Coronavirus resources

An Massachusetts Municipal Association email worth sharing with information worth knowing.  There is also good information at the suggested websites –

MMA-2

Coronavirus resources for local government leaders

 

Governments, agencies and communities around the globe are currently responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China in December.

 

The virus is named “SARS-CoV-2,” and the disease it causes is “coronavirus disease 2019,” commonly known as COVID-19.

 

Because communities and municipal leaders are often on the front lines in emergency situations, the following are some helpful resources to inform local leaders and help them respond.

Examples of local outreach, preparedness and response

Additional information

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that the risk of COVID-19 to the general public in Massachusetts remains low.

 

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the DPH has:

  • Established an Incident Command Structure to facilitate regular dissemination of information from federal and state partners to statewide stakeholders
  • Launched a new website that provides up-to-date information on the status of novel coronavirus for all residents (www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus)
  • Developed and disseminated clinical advisories to all Massachusetts health care providers and issued guidance to hospitals, health systems and Emergency Medical Services
  • Scheduled calls with other key health care partners including local boards of health

On Feb. 28, the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory received approval to begin testing patients for COVID-19, in accordance with guidance from the U.S. CDC. Only those who are experiencing flu-like symptoms and have recently traveled to China or have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 should be tested, according to the DPH.

 

Those who have traveled to affected areas within the past 21 days are advised to contact their local board of health or health department. Those who have recently traveled to affected areas and are experiencing lower respiratory illness symptoms, such as, but not limited to, fever, cough, and shortness of breath, are advised to also contact their health care provider immediately.

 

Clinicians who have patients they think may have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should contact the DPH via the 24/7 EPI line (617-983-6800).

 

Individuals who are in voluntary self-quarantine continue to be monitored by their local boards of health.

 

Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent COVID-19 and no medication available to treat the disease. Treatment is supportive care and relief of symptoms.

 

Local officials are encouraged to remind residents and businesses of the following best practices to avoid exposure to the virus:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
  • Using alcohol-based hand rubs and gels.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Avoid sharing food utensils, containers and other personal items.

Those who have any cold or flu symptoms can help others by:

  • Staying home when you are sick.
  • Covering your cough or sneezes.
  • Wearing a mask if you leave home and have a cough.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and this information may change as updates are available from the DPH and U.S. CDC.

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Posted in health, Massachusetts Municipal Association, Select Board matters

Inaugural MFi Legacy Fund grant wins MCAP a huge Federal grant

Posted on December 2, 2019 | Comments Off on Inaugural MFi Legacy Fund grant wins MCAP a huge Federal grant

mfilf-20191129-event

The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund Grant Presentation Ceremony
(Pictured from left to right) Todd Trehubenko, MFi Legacy Fund Co-Chair; Christian Donner, Friends of the Medfield Rail Trail; Dawn Alcott, Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP); Jean Mineo of the Cultural Alliance of Medfield; Chris Cahill, MFi Legacy Fund Co-Chair

Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund Grant Pays Huge Dividends to Medfield

 When the Medfield Youth Outreach team from Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) submitted a grant request to the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund team to hire Bright Solutions Consulting to review and assist with writing MCAP’s federal Drug Free Communities grant application, it seemed like a long shot. Those involved all believed that the goal of making Medfield a recognized Drug Free Community was worth pursuing.

The Legacy Fund team took a chance on MCAP and awarded it a $5,000 grant in November 2018 and MCAP immediately went to work with the consultant on their federal grant application. The grant request was submitted in early 2019 and the team waited for the big announcement. On November 6, 2019 it was announced that MCAP was awarded a FY 2019 Drug-Free Communities Support Program grant in the amount of $625,000 paid over five years by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, in cooperation with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This grant will allow the coalition to hire a full-time prevention coordinator who will carry out evidence-based strategies aimed at preventing youth substance use in the Medfield community, services that have been proven to reduce substance abuse in other towns.

“The MCAP coalition owes the success of the DFC grant application to the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund grant, which allowed MCAP to hire an experienced grant writer,” said Chelsea Goldstein-Walsh LICSW, the Interim Director of Medfield Youth Outreach. “We are looking forward to launching a proactive and comprehensive effort to decrease youth substance use and promote wellness in the community.”

The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund is an endowment established for the long-term benefit of the Medfield community which will also engage in annual grant-making to support community-driven projects. “This is exactly how we see the funds from the Legacy Fund being used to benefit Medfield,” said Todd Trehubenko, co-chair of the MFi Legacy Fund. “We think of the grants we can provide to be like an accelerant, helping add fuel to help grow programs and services that benefit Medfield residents.”

The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund’s fundraising goal of $1,000,000 will enable the fund to grant annual funding requests. They are currently looking for founders/investors to help build the endowment which will enable this level of giving back to the community.

 

About Medfield Foundation

The Medfield Foundation (MFi) is a 100% volunteer run 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation whose mission is to enrich the lives of Medfield residents, build a stronger community, and facilitate the raising and allocation of private funds for public needs in the town of Medfield. Since its inception in 2001, the Medfield Foundation has raised over $2,300,000 (Yes, two million three hundred thousand dollars!) to support community-wide initiatives in Medfield.

MFi was founded based on the realization that some residents were interested in contributing more than town taxes to support projects and services that would enrich life in Medfield. You are urged to go to http://medfieldfoundation.org to learn more.

 

For more information please contact:

 

Todd Trehubenko, MFi Legacy Fund Co-Chair

617-785-5619

legacyfund@medfieldfoundation.org

 

or

 

Evan Weisenfeld, MFi President

508-740-4367

evan@medfieldfoundation.org

give local

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Posted in Charity, Cultural Alliance of Medfield, health, MCAP - Medfeild Cares About Prevention, Medfield Foundation, Medfield Outreach, Medfield Rail Trail, Teens

MCAP Receives $625K Grant

Posted on November 25, 2019 | Comments Off on MCAP Receives $625K Grant

MCAP Logo_1C_300

MCAP Announces Receipt of $625K Federal Grant

The Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) substance abuse prevention coalition, a Medfield Foundation Initiative, announced that it was awarded a FY 2019 Drug-Free Communities Support Program grant in the amount of $625,000 over five years by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, in cooperation with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This grant will allow the coalition to hire a full-time prevention coordinator who will carry out evidence-based strategies aimed at preventing youth substance use in the Medfield community. Superintendent of the Medfield Public Schools and MCAP coalition member, Dr. Jeff Marsden, responded to the news of the grant award: "I'm so happy for our kids and community that we will have someone dedicated to substance use prevention. The collective efforts of MCAP really came through for our community and our district looks forward to this important work." Medfield is honored to receive this grant and is prepared to launch a proactive and comprehensive effort to decrease substance use. The goals of the Medfield Cares About Prevention coalition are to establish and strengthen community collaboration in support of local efforts to decrease youth substance use. The coalition will seek to achieve its goals by implementing the following strategies: providing information and support, enhancing skills, providing incentives and disincentives for youth substance use, changing the physical environment, and modifying policies. The coalition will specifically target alcohol and electronic vapor products and will promote positive alternatives to substance use through community collaboration. This successful grant application was made possible by the tireless efforts of coalition members, as well as by a coalition consultant, Amanda Decker of Bright Solutions Consulting. MCAP was able to contract with Bright Solutions Consulting thanks to a generous grant from the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund, an endowed fund of the Foundation for MetroWest. Securing this mini grant of $5,000 positioned MCAP to secure grant writing consultation services and set the coalition up for a successful award of the DFC grant.

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Posted in Children, health, MCAP - Medfeild Cares About Prevention, Medfield Outreach, Teens, Uncategorized

Mosquitos are gone

Posted on November 4, 2019 | Comments Off on Mosquitos are gone

mosquito

From: Marsden, Jeffrey <aspen-sysadmin@myfollett.com>
Date: Mon, Nov 4, 2019 at 9:16 AM
Subject: Message from the Superintendent-Important EEE Information
To: <jmarsden@email.medfield.net>

 

Dear Parents,

I have received confirmation from the Norfolk County Mosquito Control that we had a hard frost last night that would have killed any remaining mosquitoes in our area. The risk is now “minimal” and the curfew for outside school and town activities has now ended.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience over the past two months.

Sincerely,

Jeff Marsden

 

Jeffrey J. Marsden, Ed.D

Superintendent

Medfield Public Schools

508-359-2302

Follow me on Twitter @JeffreyJMarsden

#medfieldps  #medfieldpln

 

—

 

Jeffrey J. Marsden, Ed.D

Superintendent

Medfield Public Schools

508-359-2302

Follow me on Twitter @JeffreyJMarsden

#medfieldps  #medfieldpln

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Posted in health, Schools

MCAP gets $625K Federal grant

Posted on October 30, 2019 | 1 comment

MCAP Logo with URL_1C_300

Chelsea Goldstein-WalshChelsea Goldstein-Walsh, Interim Director of Medfield Youth Outreach announced this afternoon that Medfield Cares About Prevention (MCAP) (www.MedfieldCares.org) was today awarded a Drug-Free Communities grant of $625,000, to fund a Substance Use Prevention Coordinator who will run MCAP’s  prevention efforts.  The Federal grant will pay MCAP $125,000 per year for five years,  with the hope that the Substance Use Prevention Coordinator position will become permanent after five years.  About 150 DFC grants nation wide were awarded this year.  Towns that have received past DFC grants have seen a statistical decrease is substance abuse.

Medfield Youth Outreach, first through Dawn Alcott and now Chelsea, initiated, oversee, and manage the MCAP coalition.  MCAP had come exceedingly close to getting the Federal grant in prior years it applied. 

This year, however, MCAP had the added benefit of having received a $5,000 grant from the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund’s 2018 inaugural round of grants, which monies MCAP used to hire a grant writer, thereby parlaying the Legacy Fund grant into the $625,000 of benefit for the Town of Medfield. 

 

mfi-legacy-fund

The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund is an endowment, created and being funded to make life better in Medfield.

mfilf-20191129-event

Above photo was from the inaugural Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund grant awards celebration. From L to R are Todd Trehubenko, Christian Donner of the Medfield Rail Trail, Dawn Alcott of MCAP, Jean Mineo of the Cultural Alliance, and Chris Cahill (Todd and Chris are the Co-chairs of the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund’s Community Board).

 

The following was Chelsea’s email announcing her good news to MCAP –

********************************************************************

I am happy to report that Medfield Cares About Prevention was selected as one of the Drug-Free Communities grant recipients for this funding cycle! Our town will receive $125,000 a year for 5 years ($625,000 total) to implement prevention strategies aimed at reducing youth substance use. You can see the list of recipients here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/FY-2019-DFC-New-Grant-Award-Recipients-10.29.2019.pdf

Thank you all for your hard work in making our grant application a success! Our next step is to solidify the hiring process for a full-time coalition coordinator with the grant funding to help us implement this work. Our next MCAP meeting on Monday, November 4th at 11:30 am will largely be dedicated to coming up with a hiring plan. I’ve attached a copy of the job description for the coalition coordinator for your reference.

Congratulations to you all for this successful team effort!

Warmly,

Chelsea

Medfield Youth Outreach

 

 

 

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Posted in Federal Government, health, MCAP - Medfeild Cares About Prevention, Medfield Foundation, Medfield Outreach, Safety, Teens

Yoga on the Turf 9/22

Posted on September 19, 2019 | 1 comment

Sponsored by the Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention –

Tracy Buckley of Medfield Yoga Studio is kindly teaching the class.

Sunday, Sept. 22 from 12-1pm:

Community YOGA on the Medfield High School Turf

  • ALL WELCOME: all ages and all levels!
  • Bring your own mat or towel
  • Free class, however donations supporting our MedfieldCSP efforts will be happily and gratefully accepted!

PLEASE pass on the attached flyer to your network of people…should be a gorgeous day!

Many thanks!!!

Anna Mae

YOGA ON THE TURF S u n d a y , S e p t e m b e r 2 2 M e d f i e l d H i g h S c h o o l T u r f 1 2 : 0 0 p m - 1 : 0 0 p m F r e e C l a s s ! ( D o n a t i o n s a p p r e c i a t e d t o b e n e f i t M e d f i e l d C S P . o r g ) B r i n g y o u r o w n m a t / t o w e l A l l a g e s a n d a l l l e v e l s w e l c o m e ! H o s t e d b y t h e M e d f i e l d C o a l i t i o n f o r S u i c i d e P r e v e n t i o n a n d M e d f i e l d Y o g a S t u d i o V i s i t w w w . m e d f i e l d c s p . o r g f o r m o r e i n f o . SUPPORT THE MEDFIELD COALITION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

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Posted in health, MCSP - Medfield Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Medfield High School, Teens

Aerial Mosquito Spraying in Medfield

Posted on September 10, 2019 | Comments Off on Aerial Mosquito Spraying in Medfield

Alert from the Town of Medfield  –

mosquito

September 10, 2019 1:56 PM

Aerial Mosquito Spraying in Medfield

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that it will conduct aerial mosquito spraying in Massachusetts, including Medfield. Spraying will take place after dusk and overnight, beginning September 10, 2019

DPH has not announced the specific night that Medfield will be sprayed, but has announced that no precautions are necessary for the aerial spraying. Spraying will take place in the evening and overnight, beginning at 7:15 pm.

Residents are asked to continue to take caution. Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, avoid the hours when mosquitoes are most active (dusk through dawn), wear insect repellent, and mosquito-proof your home by limiting the number of places for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water.

DPH has posted additional information about spraying here: https://www.mass.gov/news/state-officials-announce-additional-aerial-spraying-for-eee-in-critical-and-high-risk

Additional information about EEE here: https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts#-september-2019-aerial-spraying-information–

As we previously announced, a Medfield horse contracted and died from EEE. Town and school outdoor activities now end at dusk. Norfolk County Mosquito Control District conducted town-wide spraying and are continuing to spray Medfield on Tuesday nights. Visit their website for more information: http://www.norfolkcountymosquito.org/

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Posted in health

Youth Outreach – clinical services questioned

Posted on August 31, 2019 | 3 comments

mfi youth &amp; rec

Medfield Youth Outreach – future of clinical services questioned

At the Select Board meeting Thursday night, I was surprised when the Board refused to reappoint the Medfield Youth Outreach Advisory Board, created in 2016, with one member suggesting that it did not even need to be a town board, but could instead operate informally.

Additional surprise came when Kristine Trierweiler reported that the Select Board needed to resolve the future existence of the Medfield Youth Outreach clinical services prior to her posting to hire the new Director of the Medfield Youth Outreach, a position that has been vacant since Dawn Alcott left in the spring.

I am informed that there is still unresolved concern over whether the Medfield Youth Outreach should continue to exist in its current form, namely whether Medfield Youth Outreach should provide clinical counseling services, or whether Medfield Youth Outreach should instead just be referring all counseling clients to services provided by third parties.  Medfield Youth Outreach has been providing clinical services to Medfield’s youth for the past forty years, and a question has been raised as to whether that should continue.

There are reportedly also concerns about potential liability and HIPAA compliance –

  • note 1: any town service can create liability, and therefore the town buys insurance.  Also, both Medfield Youth Outreach employees carried their own insurance as well;
  • note 2: Medfield Youth Outreach has been doing clinical counseling for the forty years of its existence.
  • note 3: any health care worker must comply with HIPAA.

The Select Board had extensive discussions about the Medfield Youth Outreach program at the Board’s June 18 meeting with both the Interim Director of Medfield Youth Outreach and members of the Medfield Youth Outreach Advisory Board. I thought the Select Board had resolved all these MYO issues that night, and that the hiring was proceeding.

All these matters will reportedly be discussed by the Select Board, again, at its meeting on September 17, and hopefully this time a resolution will be reached that allows for the posting and prompt hiring of a new MYO Director.

3 Comments

Posted in Children, health, Medfield Outreach, Teens

EEE information

Posted on August 29, 2019 | Comments Off on EEE information

I received this information this afternoon from Medfield Board of Health member, Carol Read, who works for the Needham Board of Health –

***************************************************

For the most updated information on EEE risk and aerial spraying, contact the DPH Division of Epidemiology (617) 983-6800 or visit the DPH website at:  www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito  for updated mosquito results, maps and incidence of positive mosquito samples.

https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases

 

For general information on mosquito control, contact the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board within MDAR at (617) 626-1723

 

https://www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019 Mosquito control

 

Who do I contact to learn more about aerial spraying in my area?

Your local health department will be aware of any plans for aerial spraying.

Updates will be provided via local media outlets, social media, and other channels.

For questions about aerial spraying, contact MDAR Crop and Pest Services at (617) 626- 1700.

For the most updated information on EEE risk and aerial spraying, contact the DPH Division of Epidemiology (617) 983-6800 or visit the DPH website for updated mosquito results, maps and incidence of positive mosquito samples.

 

www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019

 

2019 Massachusetts Arbovirus Daily Update- Animal and Human confirmation by geographic area

Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus activity has been detected in Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Worcester counties. Four human cases of EEE have been confirmed so far this year.

http://www.mosquitoresults.com/

 

Carol Read, M.Ed, CAGS, CPS

Substance Use Prevention & Education

Needham Public Health Division

178 Rosemary Street Needham, MA 02492  Office: (781) 455-7940 (ext. 222)

cread@needhamma.gov   www.needhamma.gov/health/substanceabuse

*****************************************************************

1 Aerial Mosquito Control to Reduce Risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Summer 2019 Revised 8/19/2019 What is Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)? Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. EEE can cause severe illness and possibly lead to death in any age group; however, people under age 15 are at particular risk. EEE does not occur every year, but based on mosquito sampling, a high risk of occurrence of human cases currently exists. When is aerial spraying of insecticides considered? Truck-mounted ground spraying is already taking place in some communities in Massachusetts. In situations where there is a high risk of human disease, the state’s response plan recommends consideration of the use of an aerial pesticide spray in the evening and overnight hours to reduce the number of infected, adult mosquitoes in the specific areas of high risk. Many breeding areas of high concern are not accessible by truck-mounted ground sprayers. How is aerial spraying conducted? Aerial spraying is conducted by aircraft in areas of concern beginning in the early evening up until 4:30am the next morning. What pesticide product would be used in the aerial spraying? The pesticide used is called Anvil 10+10, a product extensively tested and used in both ground-level and aerial spraying in the U.S. to control mosquitoes. Anvil 10+10 contains two ingredients: Sumithrin and Piperonyl butoxide. Sumithrin is an ingredient similar to the natural components of the chrysanthemum flower which is also found in other pesticide products used indoors, in pet shampoos, and tick control treatments. Sumithrin is rapidly inactivated and decomposes with exposure to light and air, with a half-life of less than one day in the air and on plants. In soil, it degrades rapidly. Sumithrin has proven to be extremely effective in killing mosquitoes worldwide for over 20 years. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) serves to increase the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes. The product is registered by EPA and in Massachusetts for this use. It was used in 2 previous aerial applications for mosquito control (2006, 2010, 2012). It is also used by some of the Mosquito Control Projects for ground applications. Are there precautions I should take if spraying will occur in my area? No special precautions are recommended; however, residents can reduce exposure by staying indoors during spraying. Aerial spraying is conducted at night and the active ingredients of the pesticide product used for aerial application for mosquito control generally break down quickly and leave no residue. Although aerial spraying is considered necessary to reduce human risk, it will not eliminate risk. It is critical that residents protect themselves from mosquito bites by staying indoors during peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn, applying insect repellent when outdoors, draining standing water where mosquitoes breed, and repairing screens in doors and windows. Residents should also take steps to protect their pets from mosquito bites. Are there any health impacts associated with exposure to Anvil 10+10? There are no health risks expected during or after spraying. There is no evidence that aerial spraying of Anvil 10+10 will exacerbate certain health conditions, such as asthma or chemical sensitivity. Can these targeted ground and aerial sprays harm other insects or wildlife? Aerial spraying will be conducted in the nighttime hours, when fish are less likely to be at the surface feeding and honeybees are most likely to be in their hives. Owners should cover small ornamental fishponds during the night of spraying. These fishponds can be uncovered in the morning after spraying has been completed. If I am a beekeeper, should I take special precautions to protect the bees before or after aerial spraying? We do not anticipate negative impacts on honey bee colonies since the aerial spraying will take place at night. If bees are congregating outside the hive box(es), consider applying a cover to the hive entrance or over the entire hive box(es) using a loose wet cloth (burlap, sheet, etc.) to prevent bees from exiting, thus not allowing for direct contact during the application. If miticides have been applied and there is concern about ventilation during covering, consider adding an additional empty box on top to increase ventilation within the hive during the application. Remove covers and additional boxes placed on hives as soon as possible the morning following application. To report signs of acute honey bee mortality defined as larger than normal quantities of dead or dying bees at the entrance or inside hives post application, contact the Apiary Program Message Line ASAP by calling 617-626-1801 Is there a risk to drinking water sources? No. Aerial spraying is not expected to have any impacts on surface water or drinking water. 3 Who do I contact to learn more about aerial spraying in my area? Your local health department will be aware of any plans for aerial spraying. Updates will be provided via local media outlets, social media, and other channels. For questions about aerial spraying, contact MDAR Crop and Pest Services at (617) 626-1700. For the most updated information on EEE risk and aerial spraying, contact the DPH Division of Epidemiology (617) 983-6800 or visit the DPH website at www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019 for updated mosquito results, maps and incidence of positive mosquito samples. For general information on mosquito control, contact the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board within MDAR at (617) 626-1723.20190819-MDPH-Short-FAQ-EEE-and-Mosquito-Control-8-19-2019 MDPH_Page_220190819-MDPH-Short-FAQ-EEE-and-Mosquito-Control-8-19-2019 MDPH_Page_3

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Posted in health, Uncategorized

EEE alert

Posted on August 29, 2019 | Comments Off on EEE alert

EMAIL just now from Kristine Trierweiler  –

**********************************************************

We have had a horse that has died and tested positive for EEE. The state has upgraded us from moderate to critical. Attached please find the press release that we have issued.  A reverse 911 call is in the process of being issued.

We have contacted the Department of Public Health and they have denied aerial spraying at this time. Norfolk County Mosquito Control will be in Medfield conducting truck spraying beginning at dusk on Friday evening.

We will continue to update the website as we get more guidance and information from the State.

—

Kristine Trierweiler

Town Administrator
Town of Medfield

*****************************************************

Medfield EEE Risk Elevated to Critical Following Death of Horse Officials Implement 7 p.m. Curfew for All Town and School Outdoor Activities MEDFIELD -- Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler, the Medfield Board of Health and Medfield Public Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden report that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has elevated the town's risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) from "moderate" to “critical” on Thursday morning in light of the death of a horse that tested positive for the virus. All Town and Medfield Public Schools outdoor activities, including sports practices, will now end at 7 p.m. and night games will be rescheduled to the daytime or weekends. Norfolk County Mosquito Control has been notified of the new designation and will conduct spraying in Medfield on Friday, Aug. 30, after dusk. The Town is following DPH guidelines and advising all residents to limit outdoor exposure after sundown. Residents should strongly consider cancelling or rescheduling any planned outdoor activities until further notice. "This critical EEE designation is concerning, especially since it has been linked to the death of a horse in town," Town Administrator Trierweiler said. "We will be meeting to discuss what further steps need to be taken and recommend that all residents use caution while outside during dusk and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most likely to bite." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the EEE virus is a rare cause of brain infections, or encephalitis. There are very few human EEE cases each year but the virus can be fatal or leave victims with serious, lifelong health complications. "Due to the seriousness of this issue, we will be working with the athletic department and our coaches to make sure that all outdoor practices end at 7 p.m. for the time being and will be working diligently to reschedule any night games coming up," Superintendent Marsden said. "The safety of our students is our number one priority and we will be taking all precautions to prevent our students from being outdoors when mosquitoes are at their worst." Town and state officials offer the following important guidelines about EEE and mosquito-borne illness: Avoid Mosquito Bites  Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours. Consider cancelling or rescheduling planned outdoor evening events and activities. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellent.  Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites: Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks while outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.  Apply insect repellent if you do go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied directly to your skin. Mosquito-Proof Your Home  Drain standing water: Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently.  Install or repair window and door screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors. Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website here. "Medfield is now one of many communities throughout the region that have been given the critical designation by DPH," said Medfield Health Agent Nancy Bennotti. "We will continue to update residents as needed and ask that they adhere to the 7 p.m. curfew for outdoor activities. If anyone believes they are exhibiting signs of having contracted the EEE virus please seek medical help immediately."20190829-Press Release-EEE_Page_220190829-Press Release-EEE_Page_3

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Posted in health