Author: Brie Garrison

Rabies is a viral disease of mammals caused by infection of the brain and spinal cord. In domestic animals and people, infection with the rabies virus is nearly always fatal. In the United States, where rabies in dogs has been largely eliminated, rabies is still widespread in wild life populations,… Read more“Rabies Information”

The loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice could jeopardize the safety of your food, knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Mark A.R. Cooper, Director… Read more“FOOD SAFETY DURING POWER OUTAGES”

  Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater runoff from naturally soaking into the ground. Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to… Read more“10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution”

The Town of Westport has developed a new customer service survey for all Land Use Departments including Building, Conservation, Engineering, Planning and Zoning and the Westport Weston Health District. Westport is looking for feedback on peoples’ experience related to the permitting process. The survey is anonymous and will be treated… Read more“Customer Service Satisfaction Survey”

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are some of the most common infections found in the United States. More than 19 million men and women are affected each year. In the United States, the overall medical costs associated with STDs are estimated to be approximately $14 billion annually. Although STDs are more… Read more“STD’s Are Still Prevalent Among Teens and Young Adults”

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”

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”