Public Health Resources

Masking

The South Hadley Board of Health recommends  all eligible residents get vaccinated against COVID-19 accordingly. 

In support of the state Department of Public Health, the Board of Health advises that a fully vaccinated person should wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home) if:

•  you have a weakened immune system, 
• are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or underlying medical condition, 
• someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated. 

For those who are not vaccinated, it is strongly recommended  they continue to wear a face covering or mask. 

For more information regarding mask requirements in the state of Massachusetts, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-mask-requirements.

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Disease Information

• Avian Flu (PDF)
• Mosquitoes and Ticks
• Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District 2020 Report
• Chikungunya Virus
• Zika Virus
• COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

See information about a Public Listening Session of the Mosquito Control Task Force held Monday, May 3 from 11: a.m. – 1: p.m. here.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) 

Based upon detection in birds throughout Massachusetts and neighboring states, HPAI appears to be prevalent amongst the region's wild bird population. Domestic poultry in Massachusetts may be at risk of exposure. Waterbirds that are most likely to carry the HPAI virus include shorebirds, gulls, waterfowl, geese and dabbling duck. Flock owners are advised to implement biosecurity tactics and sanitary protocols to protect their flock and facility against the virus. Visit https://mass.gov/service-details/poultry-program for updates and available resources. 

Arbovirus Update

The 2021 Arbovirus season starts on Monday June 14. As a result, the state will begin mosquito testing at the State Public Health Laboratory. This may be the third year of a EEE outbreak cycle. There is a possibility, the extended drought from last fall into spring may reduce EEE activity. As a precaution, surveillance, response plans, and educational materials are now available. Refer to the listed resources for additional information.

• https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts
• https://www.mass.gov/lists/arbovirus-surveillance-plan-and-historical-data
• https://www.mass.gov/doc/2021-arbovirus-surveillance-and-response-plan/download
•  Massachusetts Department of Public Health Arbovirus Surveillance Program Report - July 27, 2021

Monkeypox Outbreak

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is currently monitoring case counts of monkeypox and encourages clinicians to refer potential patients for testing by contacting the Department of Public Health. If you have symptoms of monkeypox, including unknown rashes/lesions contact your healthcare provider for an assessment. Skin to skin contact, including sexual contact are the highest risk factors of human transmission of monkeypox. Currently, the overall risks for Americans is low. 

• https://www.mass.gov/doc/clinical-and-laboratory-testing-guidance-for-monkeypox/download

PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a category of chemicals commonly utilized in stain resistant, water resistant, and non-stick manufactured goods. They are seen in a wide range of products. Besides consumer products, drinking water is also a source of PFAS. Often times, the water is contaminated with PFAS from a nearby facility impacting the water quality. The testing of surface water and fish is being conducted by MASSDEP and DPH to determine PFAS contaminant levels and to implement the necessary safety protocols. 

• https://www.mass.gov/info-details/pfas-per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-in-recreationally-caught-fish#what-are-pfas?-