Public Health Services and Information for Our Communities
Experts on opioid addiction will hold a panel discussion Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Westport Library’s Large Reading Room, library officials announced. Monica K. Wheeler, director of community health for the Westport Weston Health District, is set to moderate the panel. It will include Elaine Daignault, Westport’s… Read more“Library to Host Panel on Opioid Addiction Oct. 19”
The misuse and abuse of prescription medication and opioid-based drugs has increased significantly over the years to become a public health concern in Connecticut. Between 2009 –2014, there were nearly 2,000 accidental and unintentional opioid involved deaths that occurred in 152 of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns. The demographic breakdown… Read more“The Opioid Crisis Hits Home: Stories from Connecticut”
Hundreds of thousands of children living in the United States have elevated blood lead levels that may cause significant damage to their health. They can develop behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity), slowed growth, hearing problems, and aggressive patterns of behavior. Stopping a child’s exposure to lead from leaded… Read more“LEAD-FREE KIDS FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE—NATIONAL LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK OCTOBER 22-28”
Every month the Westport Weston Health District publishes a calendar of events that highlights programs, health screenings and clinics that are offered to the community. Our goal is to promote healthy life style choices through education and counseling. To see a list of events, please click on the following link… Read more“Westport Weston Health District’s Monthly Calendar”
The Westport Weston Health District has scheduled flu vaccination clinics. These clinics are open to anyone 6 months of age or older wishing to be vaccinated and appointments are available on line. To schedule an appointment click on the button below or call (203) 227-9571. Walk-ins are accepted. To save… Read more“Schedule Your Flu Shot”
West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause inflammation of the brain. West Nile Virus (WNV) is spread to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily Culex pipiens. A mosquito is infected by biting a bird carrying the virus. West Nile virus is not spread by… Read more“West Nile Virus”
Mosquito-borne diseases are those spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Diseases that are spread to people by mosquitoes include Zika Virus, West Nile, Chikungunya Virus and Dengue. The public’s role in eliminating potential breeding habitats for mosquitoes — such as getting rid of any standing water around the… Read more“Mosquito-Borne Illness Facts and Prevention”
Summertime fun means summertime bugs! As the weather warms up and you’re spending more time outside remember to use insect repellent! Insect repellent is the best way to protect yourself and your family against potentially harmful insects such as ticks and mosquitos. Click on our comprehensive parent guide to understanding… Read more“Repel Those Pests”
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today it has been involved with an investigation concerning a multi-state outbreak of six confirmed cases of Listeria monocytogenes. Patients sickened in this outbreak were reported from Connecticut, Florida, New York, and Vermont and range in age from 0 to 89. Two of… Read more“Recall of Soft Cheeses Associated with a Multi-state Listeriosis Outbreak”
WWHD will make available a limited number of do-it-yourself radon testing kits at no charge to residents December through March. Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is formed from the radioactive decay of radium and uranium, which occurs naturally in bedrock worldwide. Radon is drawn into… Read more“Radon Tests Recommended, Free Kits Available”
Childhood Lead Poisoning is the most common pediatric public health problem, yet it is entirely preventable. Once a child has been poisoned, the impairment it may cause is irreversible. Lead harms children’s nervous systems and is associated with reduced IQ, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities. In large doses, it can… Read more“Lead Poisoning Prevention”
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this weekend that Adams’ Slaughterhouse in Athol, Massachusetts is recalling veal, bison and beef products that have tested positive for Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 and has sickened patients in multiple states, including… Read more“RECALL ISSUED FOR BEEF FROM MA SLAUGHTERHOUSE SOLD ON CT FARMS AND AT FARMERS’ MARKETS”
Weston First Selectwoman Nina Daniel and Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe announced that they are establishing a joint Task Force to address insect and tickborne diseases. Westport Weston Health District Director of Health Mark Cooper will be appointed Chairman of the Task Force. Representatives of agencies from both towns will… Read more“Westport and Weston Establish Insect and Tickborne Disease Task Force”
As of July 1, the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Laboratory in Rocky Hill is restricting the number of animal carcasses they will accept for rabies testing. Because of this change, the Westport Weston Health District will now only accept the following specimens for submittal to the State… Read more“Change In Rabies Submissions”
On Monday, June 20th, the Westport Weston Health District and the Westport Public Library co-sponsored a presentation regarding mosquito and tick borne illnesses worldwide. Dr. Kirby Stafford, Vice Director, Chief Entomologist, and State Entomologist of the CT Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) addressed the prevalence of mosquito and tick borne diseases throughout… Read more“Mosquito and Tick Seminar”
For your convenience, on Saturday, June 25 from 8:30-10:30 am, the WWHD will offer an immunization clinic (by appointment) to all those in need of any vaccinations or booster shots. When traveling outside the United States, you must take certain precautions to ensure the safety and health of you and… Read more“Traveling Abroad Or Need Immunizations?”
Hurricanes are powerful storms that form at sea with wind speeds of 74 mph or greater in late summer and fall. They can be very dangerous. The greatest damage to life and property is not from the wind, but from tidal surges and flash flooding. While nothing can be done… Read more“Hurricane Preparedness”