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WELCOME TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT

2008 Health Updates and Information Health Department
Appointed by the Town Administrator

Late Summer and Early Fall School Activities and the Risk of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Despite cooler temperatures, mosquito activity continues throughout the late summer and early fall.  This activity brings with it the risk for mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).  Between 2000 and 2007, there were 59 human cases of WNV locally acquired in Massachusetts, including six fatalities. Outbreaks of EEE usually occur in Massachusetts every 10-20 years. 

These outbreaks will typically last two to three years.  The most recent outbreak of EEE in Massachusetts began in 2004 and included 13 cases with six fatalities through 2006. Read the complete press release details (PDF format).

September Update: Click here for the latest news. (PDF format).


Dr. Colleen Collins
Town Physician
John Coulon
Health Agent
Sharon McCabe
Assitant Health Agent

Colleen Quinn Sainato
Public Health Nurse

Allergy Alert-Hot Pockets Pepperoni Pizza-foreign materials
Nestle Prepared Foods Company, a Mt. Sterling, Ky., establishment, is
recalling approximately 215,660 pounds of frozen stuffed pepperoni pizza
sandwich products that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of
Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
The following products are subject to recall:
54-ounce, 12-pack cartons of HOT POCKETS PEPPERONI PIZZA brand stuffed
sandwiches. Printed on the side of each carton is 8157544614D, EST 7721A, and
BEST BEFORE JAN2010. Each carton bears the USDA mark of inspection.

The products were produced on June 5 and distributed to retail establishments
nationwide.

The problem was discovered after the company received consumer complaints. FSIS
has not received any consumer complaints or reports of injury at this time.
Anyone concerned about an injury from consumption of the products should contact
a physician.

Media with questions about the recall should contact Company Marketing
Communications Manager Roz OHearn at (440) 264-5170. Consumers with questions
about the recall should contact Nestle Consumer Services Center at (800)
350-5016.

Northeast MA Mosquito Control & Wetlands Management District:
Press Release: 18 August 08

Walter Montgomery
Director; Esteban Cuebas-Incle, Entomologist

Thanks to the unusual heavy rainfalls of the past month, potential mosquito breeding sites have filled and abundant mosquitoes have emerged. Read the complete press release details (PDF format).

Recall-Stop&Shop Tuna Salad, pre-packaged-Listeria
The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company has announced a voluntary recall of Stop & Shop tuna salad sold in 12 ounce pre-packaged containers and tuna salad sold at the service deli because it has the potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.  Upon being notified of the recall by the supplier, Stop & Shop immediately removed all 12 ounce pre-packaged containers of Stop & Shop tuna salad and affected product from the service deli case. 

The following products are affected by this recall:

    12 oz. Pre-packaged  Stop & Shop Tuna Salad
UPC #0-688267-06663
Sell-by-date: August 19, 2008

    Stop & Shop Tuna Salad (Service Deli)
UPC #20880380000
Sell-by-date(s): July 28, 2008 thru August 19, 2008

Stop & Shop has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.

Recall-Prossive Chicken Sandwiches-Listeria

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2008  DBC, Inc., doing business as World Class Canapes, Inc., a Wilmington, Mass., firm, is recalling approximately 285 pounds of ready to eat chicken products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The following ready to eat chicken products are subject to recall:
      80-ounce cases of Progressive Gourmet Buffalo Chicken Roller Sandwich, Each package bears the establishment number EST. P 31566 inside the USDA mark of inspection, as well as a SELL BY date of 8/2/08 and Case Code of 8500WRAS. 
      80-ounce cases of Progressive Gourmet Chicken Caesar Roller Sandwich. Each package bears the establishment number EST. P 31566 inside the USDA mark of inspection, as well as a SELL BY date of 8/2/08 and Case Code of 8500WRCA.
      80 ounce cases of Progressive Gourmet Honey Turkey w/Baby Spinach Roller Sandwich. Each package bears the establishment number EST. P 31566 inside the USDA mark of inspection, as well as a SELL BY date of 8/2/08 and Case Code of 8500WRTU.   

        These ready to eat chicken products were produced on July 30, 2008, and distributed to retail establishments in Massachusetts. The products were repackaged individually for consumer purchase. Consumers that may have purchased these ready to eat chicken products at retail establishments between

July 31, 2008, and Aug. 2, 2008, are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers and discard them if found.

The problem was discovered through microbiological sampling by FSIS. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.  Anyone with signs of symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a medical professional.

Media with questions about the recall should contact company Director of Culinary Operations Mark Polito, at (978) 253 6436.  Consumers with questions about the recall should contact company Plant Manager Jim Palmariello, at (978) 253 6482.

FDA Message to Retail & Foodservice Operations about Lobster Tomalley
  Time: 2008-08-06 10:26:43
Message: We are asking for your assistance in the dissemination of the attached advisory against consumption of American lobster tomalley because of high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin.  PSP is not associated with lobster meat, only with tomalley.  Cooking will not eliminate the PSP toxin in the tomalley.

An on-going episode of red tide in northern New England and eastern Canada has caused high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning in American or Maine lobster tomalleys, the soft green material in the body cavity of lobsters.  State authorities in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire have issued advisories against eating tomalleys.  Canadian authorities recommend limited consumption of lobster tomalley.

All operations that serve or sell whole lobsters or that use tomalley in recipes should be made aware of this advisory.  If live lobsters are sold to consumers, we recommend that this information be provided to them.

If you have further questions, please contact your regulatory agency or an FDA Regional Retail Food Specialist.  The advisory is also accessible via the web at  http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01866.html

HPV Vaccine Reports to VAERS
Time: 2008-07-23 09:57:09
Message: CDC-FDA information on HPV vaccine (Gardasil) safety is now posted on the CDC Immunization Safety website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaers/gardasil.htm. Please access this link for more information.

Public Health Advisory-Lobster Tomalley-toxins
Time: 2008-07-22 15:31:49
Message: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding consumers not to eat lobster tomalley, the soft green substance found in the body cavity of lobsters, because this part of the lobster can build up high levels of toxins and other pollutants. 

Lobster meat is safe to eat:  it is only the lobster tomalley that consumers should not eat.

Advisory on Tomatoes and Raw Jalapeno & Serrano Peppers

Time: 2008-07-16 15:23:41
Message: Massachusetts Health Officials Identify Two Additional Cases of Salmonella Linked to National Outbreak-Advisory against eating certain types of tomatoes continues. FDA advises some consumers not to eat raw jalapeno or serrano peppers. 

BOSTON  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that two (2) additional cases of salmonella in Massachusetts have been linked to a nationwide outbreak.  The new cases bring the total number of cases identified in Massachusetts to twenty-six (26). To date, over 1100 cases linked to certain types tomatoes have been reported nationwide according to the CDC.

MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE FIRST POSITIVE
WEST NILE VIRUS MOSQUITO POOL

DPH reminds residents of summer mosquito safety tips.

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year.  The mosquito sample was collected on June 27 in the city of Worcester.

In 2007, there were six human cases of WNV, two of these cases resided in Worcester.  While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

“Mosquitoes can carry disease. We want residents to take some simple steps to protect themselves this holiday weekend and throughout the summer months,” said DPH State Epidemiologist, Dr. Al DeMaria   “The recent rains and hot weather have increased mosquito populations. Now it is most important to take action to help reduce mosquito populations around your home and neighborhood and to make personal precautions a habit.”

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Avoid Mosquito Bites:

  • Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours.  The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing
  • Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites.  Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
  • Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 (as contained in Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535®) 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% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

  • Drain Standing Water.  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 Screens.  Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Report Dead Birds 

  • Dead crows, blue jays or robins may be a sign that WNV is circulating among the birds and mosquitoes in an area. Call 1-866-MASS WNV to report a dead bird. By reporting dead birds, you can play an important role in monitoring WNV.

More information is available on the DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv/wnv1.htm.  Information about WNV and EEE is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7698), or the Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

Allergy Alert-Stop&Shop GarlicBread and Garlic Spread-Undeclared Milk
June 27, 2008  Quincy, MA 

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company has announced a voluntary recall of Stop & Shop brand garlic bread and garlic spread products sold in its Bakeshop as the items contain milk products which are not declared on the labels. Stop & Shop removed from its shelves all 16 ounce and 9 ounce packages of Stop & Shop brand garlic bread and all 16 ounce packages of Stop & Shop brand garlic spread products. 

The following products are affected by this recall:
    16 oz. Stop & Shop Garlic Bread: UPC #20540880000
    9 oz. Stop & Shop Garlic Bread: UPC #20540900000
    16 oz. Stop & Shop Garlic Spread: UPC #20549280000

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy products run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.  No illnesses have been reported.

Customers who have purchased the affected products may return them to Stop & Shop for a full refund or call Stop & Shop Customer Service at 800 767 7772 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information. Customers can also visit the Stop & Shop website at www.stopandshop.com.

Recall-Nestle Pure Life Purified Drinking Water-Adulterated
This product recall is for the one gallon Nestle Pure Life Purified Drinking Water sold ONLY in Shop Rite stores in the five Northeast states of Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. This affects ONLY the one gallon size.

The product in question may contain a diluted form of a common food grade cleaning compound that results in a bitter or sour taste. This could pose a potential health concern if ingested in large quantities over an extended period of time and should not be consumed or used in preparing infant formulas or other foods or beverages. No illnesses have been reported. 

Twelve Salmonella Cases in Massachusetts Linked to Tomato Outbreak

BOSTON - June 19, 2008
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)  announced that twelve cases of salmonella in Massachusetts have been linked to the nationwide outbreak associated with certain types of raw tomatoes.

2008 Red Tide Update
Posted: Monday, June 16, 2008
Subject: MA to begin precautionary testing of some shellfish impacted by Red Tide

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health-DPH today announced plans to conduct precautionary market testing of shellfish harvested from marine waters potentially impacted by red tide

The testing will be done on surf clams and ocean quahogs harvested from federally designated waters off the coast of Massachusetts.  Testing of shellfish in state coastal waters is routinely conducted by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries-DMF, but shellfish caught in federal waters is not.

There have been no cases of PSP in Massachusetts since the early 1990s.  Fish, scallops adductor muscles without the roe, crab, shrimp and lobster meat are not affected by PSP.

Due to increasing levels of PSP toxin, DMF has closed shellfish beds in the Nauset Estuarine system in Eastham and Orleans and in waters from New Hampshire to the Bourne-Sandwich line near the east end of the Cape Cod Canal, with the exception of the Plymouth-Kingston-Duxbury Bay complex.  DPH continues to work closely with DMF in monitoring state coastal waters.

Retail stores and restaurants are required to maintain shellfish source identification tags for up to 90-days as required by state regulations.  The DPH Food Protection Program and local boards of health are advising commercial food establishments and seafood distributors to closely verify that their shellfish are coming from approved sources.

redtide 2008 Click on the map for complete details and map.

Other Resources: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries

Nahant/State No Smoking Regualtion - Effective July 5, 2004
The Board of Health (Selectmen) and our health officials are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all our residents. According, please download and read our new State Law regarding smoking in public places that goes into effect on July 5, 2004. The document is an Acrobat PDF. Other resources and information are provide below courtesy of our State website mass.gov.

Although most legislation in Massachusetts limiting youth access to tobacco products and providing protection from secondhand smoke is passed and enforced at the local level, the following Massachusetts General Laws apply to all communities in Massachusetts:

Summary of all State laws (MGL) related to tobacco

Other Resources: Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program Links

 
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