Mosquito-borne Diseases

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes in Middlesex County

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced yesterday the second human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year. The person is a male in his 70s who was exposed in Middlesex County in an area known to be at moderate risk. The person was not exposed in Hudson, and as of this release, Hudson remains in the low risk category for both WNV and EEE. However, surrounding cities and towns have recently had WNV-positive mosquitoes and are categorized at moderate risk. The Hudson Health Department is taking a proactive approach by notifying and educating the public early, and we ask you to join us in taking precautions.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection. 

By taking a few, common sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

·               Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] 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.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. 

·               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.

·               Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. 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 repellant.

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

The Hudson Health Department works closely with MDPH and the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project. Together, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep the community informed.    

Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito

The Hudson Health Department has free bug spray wipes available to the community while supplies last. Visit our office at Town Hall at 78 Main Street during normal business hours.

Hudson Board of Health Vacancy

The Hudson Board of Health is looking to fill a vacancy on its 3-member elected board.

This position is to be appointed jointly by the Town of Hudson Select Board and the Hudson Board of Health until the next town election, at which time the individual would need to run for election to maintain the position.

The Hudson Board of Health meets monthly, typically on a Tuesday at 5:30pm at Hudson Town Hall and with a virtual Zoom option. This position is open to Hudson residents only. Board of Health members receive an annual stipend of $1,250 paid in two installments over the course of the year.

The Hudson Board of Health provides policy guidance to the Hudson Health Department. The mission of the Hudson Board of Health and the Health Department is to promote the health of the people of Hudson through the prevention and control of disease and injury. The Board works to assure the quality of our food and the safety of our homes, and to protect the environment from damage and pollution, among other important initiatives.

Any questions or inquiries into the vacancy can be directed to Director of Public and Community Health, Lauren Antonelli, at LAntonelli@townofhusdon.org.

Those interested in applying are instructed to submit a Board/Committee Interest Form to the Select Board’s office via Fernanda Santos at fsantos@townofhudson.org.

Rodent Prevention in Hudson

Check out our new resources and Rodent Sighting Form at the Town of Hudson website! Let’s all work together as a community to reduce and prevent rodents in our town!

Lake Boon Fish Consumption Advisory

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUCEMENT

Lake Boon Fish Consumption Advisory

On May 23, 2024, the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) notified the Hudson Board of Health of a new fish consumption advisory for Lake Boon in Hudson and Stow. The advisory was issued due to elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) measured in fish that were sampled from Lake Boon in 2022 by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Findings were summarized in a MassDEP report issued in December 2023.

PFAS were measured in fish sampled from Lake Boon at a level that exceeds the DPH action level of 0.22 parts per billion (ppb). This indicates that the daily consumption of fish from the waterbody may pose a potential health concern.

This new advice is the most conservative advisory considering both previous and new advice based on measurements in fish from each waterbody.

DPH is recommending that sensitive populations should not eat Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass from Lake Boon and should limit consumption of other fish to 1 meal/6 months. The general population should limit consumption of all fish to 1 meal/2 months.

According to DPH, fishing for recreation is safe in such waterbodies, if you do not eat the fish. Potential exposure to PFAS associated with swimming, wading, and boating would be much less than exposure from drinking water or eating fish containing PFAS. These recreational activities are considered safe because they would not result in significant exposure over a long period of time, and because very little PFAS are absorbed through the skin.

PFAS are found at low levels in the environment, consumer products, and food, thus it is nearly impossible to eliminate all exposure. DPH recommends following fish consumption advisories at tested waterbodies and eating a variety of fish from safe sources.

For additional information, please see attached/visit the links below. If you have questions, please contact the Environmental Toxicology Program at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health/Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health at 617-624-5757.

• Fish consumption advisories | Mass.gov – Current list of Fish Consumption Advisories at all waterbodies tested, including Searchable Lookup Table

• Eating Fish Safely – Factsheet with general information on Fish Consumption Advisories

• PFAS in Recreationally Caught Fish - Factsheet with information about PFAS in fish from freshwater locations in MA

New Tobacco Regulations to take effect 11/1/23

On September 12, 2023, the Hudson Board of Health voted to enact a new regulation entitled “Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products and Smoking Accessories, Regulation # 23-1". This regulation included updates to the former tobacco-related regulation that include, but are not limited to, implementing new state requirements, setting a uniform fining structure, allowing for sale of business/permit transfers, and retail density guidelines. The regulation will go into effect on November 1, 2023. View the new regulations here.

Hazardous Waste Day 10/7/23

Again this Fall, the Hudson Health Department is partnering with the City of Marlborough to host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, which will be held this Saturday, October 7, 2023 in Marlborough. See below for more information…

Health Department News & Upcoming Events - Sept/Oct 2023

Statement on Homeless / Migrant Families Placed in Hudson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement on Homeless / Migrant Families Placed in Hudson

August 14, 2023

Governor Healey’s office recently informed the Town of Hudson that the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) would be placing homeless and migrant families at a lodging site in Hudson. As of Friday, August 10, 2023, 15 families, including more than 40 individual adults and children, have arrived in town. More families are expected to arrive over the coming weeks and months, as the State’s emergency shelter system continues to be strained by rising homelessness and migrants arriving daily.

On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Governor Healey declared a state of emergency “due to rapidly rising numbers of migrant families arriving in Massachusetts in need of shelter and services and a severe lack of shelter availability in the state.” According to the Governor’s press release, “there are currently nearly 5,600 families or more than 20,000 individuals in state shelter, including children and pregnant women.” Under the Commonwealth’s 1983 “right-to-shelter” statute, homeless families are guaranteed emergency housing. Once the state’s network of approximately 3,600 shelter beds reaches capacity, EOHLC contracts with hotels/motels and other entities that are able to provide alternative emergency housing.

The Town’s response to these newly-arrived families is being led by the Hudson Health Department and has included quickly partnering with state and local agencies to meet their immediate and most critical needs. The state Department of Public Health (DPH) is supporting the medical needs of these families and has already activated a Rapid Response Team to conduct assessments and administer vaccines as needed. Hudson Public Schools (HPS) has already begun working with the families to support the developmental and educational needs of the children. The Health Department will continue to serve as the primary point of contact, and will coordinate directly with local non-profits, faith-based groups and civic organizations to provide the necessary supports.

The families experiencing homelessness, most of whom are asylum seekers, have shown much resilience and are extremely grateful to now be in a safe and supportive environment. Their needs are many and they have a long road ahead, but we are certain that the welcoming, caring community that is Hudson will join together to support them.

To aid these families, as of Monday, August 14, 2023, in-kind donations can be dropped off at the Hudson Fire Headquarters located at 296 Cox Street 7 days/week 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Please see the list below for the most critically needed items. Additionally, the Town is launching the Hudson Homeless Fund in order to accept monetary donations, all of which will go directly towards meeting the needs of anyone experiencing homelessness in Hudson. Monetary donations can be made in-person at the Hudson Health Department office at Town Hall, 78 Main Street, during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM). Monetary donations can also be made electronically via the Town’s website at tinyurl.com/HudsonHomelessFund.

For in-kind donations, the following items are the most critically needed at this time:

NEW ITEMS ONLY!

• Diapers & Wipes - Most needed diaper sizes: Newborn, 1, 3, 4, 6 Pull-ups

• Personal Care Items: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes & toothpaste (adult & child), lotion, Chapstick, shaving cream, razors, baby soap & lotion • Feminine Hygiene Products

• Laundry Detergent (pods only)

• Ziploc Bags

• NEW Adult & Child Clothing for ages infant – adult (undergarments, socks, shoes, etc.)

• Over-the-Counter Medication for adults, children and infants (Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, Pedialyte)

• Bottled Water

• Shelf-Stable Juice (ex. apple juice)

• Individually-Packed Snacks (ex. chips, Gold Fish, animal crackers, etc.)

• Microwaveable/Cup Mac & Cheese

• Activities for adults & children (ex. decks of cards, Uno, Mancala, chalk, PlayDoh, books)

• Liquid Hand Soap & Hand Sanitizer

• Gift Cards: Market Basket, Walmart, Panera Bread, Qdoba

Every effort is being made to connect these families to the resources they need. To learn more about how you can help, please contact the Hudson Health Department at Health@townofhudson.org or (978) 562 – 2020 option 6.

For press inquiries regarding the state’s Emergency Shelter system, please contact Kevin Connor at Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) at Kevin.Connor@mass.gov or (617) 874 – 0126.

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COVID-19 Update 12.30.22

Attached is the revised Hudson COVID-19 report for the past 6 weeks. Based on community feedback, we have begun including county Wastewater Data into our reports. This decision is partly due to the fact that many people are taking at-home COVID-19 tests, which do not get reported to the State or Town. Wastewater Data tells you how much COVID-19 virus is in wastewater. Virus gets into the wastewater when people "shed" the virus while using the bathroom.

Trends in wastewater data predict COVID-19 cases. For example, when the amount of virus in wastewater goes up, we typically see a rise in COVID-19 cases. We can therefore use wastewater data to assess how much COVID-19 virus is in the community, and what protective steps should be taken.

We continue to encourage residents to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters.

See wastewater data at biobot.io/data

See vaccination updates at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-covid-19-vaccination-data-and-updates

Legal Notice - Bodywork Regulation

The Hudson Board of Health will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium, 78 Main Street Hudson, MA. The Board will consider revising the “Rules and Regulations on Governing the Practice of Bodywork (Regulation # 17-1).” A copy of the proposed revisions to the rules and regulations is available at the Board of Health Office located within Town Hall at 78 Main Street Hudson, MA. The Board invites public comment.

Christie Vaillancourt

Chair, Hudson Board of Health