Mass.Gov, Commonwealth of Massachusetts http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=mg2homepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=massgov2 http://www.mass.gov/massgov2/RSS/Home/Resident/Safety/Emergency%20Response/newsandupdates.xml © 2009 Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2009-11-19T00:00:00Z http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/11/how-long-can-flu-viruses-live-on-surfaces-.html 2009-11-19T00:00:00Z 2009-11-19T00:00:00Z

This flu season, we all need to do everything we can to keep ourselves and our families safe and healthy -- including keeping "high touch" surfaces like doorknobs, phones and toys clean. Flu viruses, including the H1N1 virus, can survive on these surfaces for several hours. However, once the wet droplets are completely dry, the virus is no longer infectious. According to the CDC, this can take anywhere from two to eight hours.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2modulechunk&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions&L3=Department+of+Public+Health&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=dph_fs_flu_update_091117&csid=Eeohhs2 2009-11-19T00:00:00Z 2009-11-19T00:00:00Z

Since it first became available in small amounts in early October, most of the vaccine has been sent to clinical settings — primarily obstetricians and pediatricians. But because there are thousands of clinical settings that share these shipments, none of them have received their complete order.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/11/h1n1-vaccine-update-for-parents-.html 2009-11-17T00:00:00Z 2009-11-17T00:00:00Z

As of this past weekend, the state has received just over 1 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine. However, this is still less than one third of the total amount of vaccine we have ordered. Each week we receive tens of thousands of vaccine doses in our state but we need hundreds of thousands, and eventually millions, to fully address the need. According to the latest projections from the federal government, we will see a significant increase in the volume of doses in our vaccine shipments by the second week in December.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=gov3pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Agov3&b=pressrelease&f=111209_utility_oversight&csid=Agov3 2009-11-16T00:00:00Z 2009-11-16T00:00:00Z

Accompanied by officials and residents of Lunenburg and surrounding areas affected by an ice storm that led to lengthy power outages last December, Governor Deval Patrick signed legislation that strengthens consumer protections, provides the necessary tools to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to levy financial penalties if utilities do not follow approved storm plans, and puts into law existing requirements for utility storm restoration plans.

http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=18510&month=&year= 2009-11-16T00:00:00Z 2009-11-16T00:00:00Z

The MBTA is in frequent contact with the Boston Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for updates and any developments with H1N1 flu. To help reduce exposure to flu on the MBTA, we have a thorough cleaning process on our buses, trains and stations and on areas such as our fare collection equipment, escalator hand rails, elevator controls, and multiple contact surfaces aboard our subway vehicles and buses.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/11/weekly-flu-report-november-12-2009-.html 2009-11-13T00:00:00Z 2009-11-13T00:00:00Z

By the end of this week, close to 875,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine will have been distributed to healthcare providers throughout Massachusetts. While doses are still being shipped primarily to pediatrician and ObGyn offices, we have also begun to allocate limited quantities to local public health departments across the state. Although we have only received about 25% of the total amount of vaccine ordered, if we continue on the federal government’s projected timeline, we anticipate that providers will be able to schedule public clinics for the highest priority groups in the coming weeks.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/11/letter-from-the-commissioner-to-nations-doctors-on-h1n1-vaccine.html 2009-11-12T00:00:00Z 2009-11-12T00:00:00Z

Letter from the FDA Commissioner to the nation's doctors on the H1N1 vaccine. This letter talks about making the 2009 H1N1 vaccine and monitoring the safety of the vaccine.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/11/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-pandemic-how-the-h1n1-vaccine-is-allocated.html 2009-11-10T00:00:00Z 2009-11-10T00:00:00Z

In this Sunday's Boston Globe, Stephen Smith's article "A day in the life of a pandemic" tells the story of how the Department of Public Health tackles the complicated and difficult process of disseminating doses of H1N1 vaccine to doctor’s offices, health centers and hospitals across the state. Last Thursday, Smith had the unique opportunity to observe this task he called “equal parts science and art, supply and demand” firsthand when the state received word that we were being allocated another 60,000 doses of vaccine.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=091105_pr_alb_survey&csid=Eoeea 2009-11-09T00:00:00Z 2009-11-09T00:00:00Z

Volunteers needed for Asian Longhorned Beetle Tree surveys in Springfield & Boston. In an effort to prevent the spread of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) will survey trees in Boston and Springfield this month, and is encouraging residents to join state officials to help look for the invasive wood-boring insects.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=091106_pr_czm&csid=Eoeea 2009-11-09T00:00:00Z 2009-11-09T00:00:00Z

Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles announced $400,000 in grants available to help shoreline communities improve coastal water quality by limiting polluted runoff from roads and upgrading boat waste "pump-out" facilities, furthering Governor Patrick’s commitment to protect the Commonwealth’s coast from pollution.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/11/weekly-flu-report-november-5-2009-.html 2009-11-09T00:00:00Z 2009-11-09T00:00:00Z

As illustrated in this weeks report, we continue to see dramatic increases in the number of cases of Influenza-like illness (ILI) across the state. This means that it is more important than ever for everyone to follow our flu prevention and control measures.

http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=18509&month=&year= 2009-11-09T00:00:00Z 2009-11-09T00:00:00Z

National Escalator/Elevator Safety Awareness Week is November 8th through November 14th. Commemorating its 17th year, this national safety program is provided to educate people about key safety practices when using elevators and escalators. Safety events will be staged around the country to acknowledge safety accomplishments in the elevator/escalator industry and, more importantly, to reinforce the public’s safe riding awareness.

http://www.mwra.state.ma.us/01news/2009/110209noarsenic.htm 2009-11-04T00:00:00Z 2009-11-04T00:00:00Z

MWRA (Mass Water Resources Authority) regularly tests for arsenic at four locations along the MWRA system and has not detected arsenic in the water supply since 2001. Furthermore, all results from 2001 or earlier are far below EPA’s new stricter standards.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eeohhs2&b=pressrelease&f=091102_ecoli_outbreak&csid=Eeohhs2 2009-11-03T00:00:00Z 2009-11-03T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has been working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other New England state health departments to identify persons infected with E.coli:O157:H7 who may have consumed undercooked ground beef contaminated with the same strain of the disease causing organism. USDA has now determined that there is an association between fresh ground beef products distributed by Fairbank Farms, an Ashville, NY, meat distributor and illnesses in Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts.

http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2009/11/avoid-drowsy-driving.html 2009-11-03T00:00:00Z 2009-11-03T00:00:00Z

MassDOT (Mass Department of Transportation) joins the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security in spreading the word about the National Sleep Foundation’s “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week," November 2-8. The public awareness campaign advice is basic: drive alert, arrive alive.

http://blog.ago.state.ma.us/blog/2009/11/wash-your-hands.html 2009-11-03T00:00:00Z 2009-11-03T00:00:00Z

As many in Massachusetts anxiously await the availability of the H1N1 vaccine, there are plenty of simple and common sense ways to protect yourself during the impending flu season. Frequently washing your hands is the easiest way to avoid illness this winter. This simple habit will not only keep you germ-free, but will also prevent you from passing germs on to your family and friends.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/10/as-of-today-more-than-480000-doses-of-h1n1-vaccine-have-been-distributed-to-providers-in-massachusetts-just-the-tip-of.html 2009-11-02T00:00:00Z 2009-11-02T00:00:00Z

More details about the H1N1 vaccine distribution program. As of today, more than 480,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine have been distributed to providers in Massachusetts – just the tip of the iceberg of the total 3.5 million doses of vaccine that we expect to receive this flu season. This is not where we expected to be at this point, based on what we were initially told by the federal government, and it creates a difficult and frustrating situation for everyone, especially those people at greatest risk of complications from the H1N1 flu.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/10/pregnant-women-working-with-your-doctor-to-locate-the-h1n1-vaccine-.html 2009-10-31T00:00:00Z 2009-10-31T00:00:00Z

We have heard from many pregnant women who have been unable to locate the H1N1 vaccine, even though they are a priority group to be vaccinated. DPH understands your frustration and would like to provide some advice on how you can work together with your health care provider to get vaccinated.

http://consumer.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2009/10/attention-to-h1n1-flu-creates-environment-for-bogus-cures.html 2009-10-29T00:00:00Z 2009-10-29T00:00:00Z

Tamiflu and Relenza are the only two FDA-approved antiviral drugs of H1N1. If you buy a prescription drug from a Website or other unapproved source, you run the risk of potential life-threatening side effects from bad medication or dangerous drug interactions.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/10/h1n1-vaccine-priority-groups.html 2009-10-29T00:00:00Z 2009-10-29T00:00:00Z

We want to provide some clarification on how the H1N1 vaccine is being distributed amongst priority groups across the state.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2pressrelease&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions&L3=Department+of+Public+Health&sid=Eeohhs2&b=pressrelease&f=091026_beef_recall&csid=Eeohhs2 2009-10-27T00:00:00Z 2009-10-27T00:00:00Z

South Shore Meat Company in Brockton, Mass. has initiated a voluntary recall on certain ground beef and other beef products based on confirmed laboratory evidence of the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in leftover ground beef samples obtained from a nature camp in Plymouth, Mass. Suspect ground beef patties were collected and tested by the Mass. Department of Public Health (DPH) after more than 20 school children and adults from Rhode Island, who had visited Camp Bournedale in Plymouth, Mass., the week of October 13th became ill with gastrointestinal symptoms. DPH is continuing to investigate the outbreak in cooperation with the Rhode Island Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/10/flu-shot-vs-flu-mist.html 2009-10-27T00:00:00Z 2009-10-27T00:00:00Z

We have received many questions about the difference between the H1N1 flu shot and the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine and who can receive each type of vaccine.

http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/safetyTips/100409_102509.asp 2009-10-27T00:00:00Z 2009-10-27T00:00:00Z

Ten safety tips to consider for shorter days.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/10/statement-on-declaration-of-emergency.html 2009-10-26T00:00:00Z 2009-10-26T00:00:00Z

Governor Deval Patrick and health and human services officials in Massachusetts praised President Obama for the declaration of national emergency related to the H1N1 influenza outbreak. "The President's actions allow us to continue on the path we have been on in response to H1N1; namely working in partnership with health care providers and public health officials to prepare for an increase in the number of residents with the flu". The declaration would permit the federal government to waive specific hospital-related legal requirements. This would allow hospitals to take certain actions to respond to increased demands for care and to fully implement their disaster operations plans that enable appropriate care during emergencies. The Governor joined the President in downplaying the significance of such a declaration. "This does not mean that conditions have dramatically changed or that the public should be alarmed".

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/10/an-update-on-seasonal-flu-vaccine.html 2009-10-26T00:00:00Z 2009-10-26T00:00:00Z

This year the residents of Massachusetts and the nation faced the unusual occurrence of two simultaneous types of influenza - both seasonal and H1N1. This increases the risk of illness for all Americans. Fortunately, we have very effective tools to prevent both influenzas in the form of safe and reliable vaccines. Unfortunately, neither the seasonal nor the H1N1 vaccines are as widely available as we would like.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/10/an-update-on-h1n1-vaccine-from-governor-patrick.html 2009-10-23T00:00:00Z 2009-10-23T00:00:00Z

In this video, Governor Patrick provides an update on the current state of H1N1 vaccines in the Commonwealth, discusses ways to protect yourself and others from transmitting or acquiring H1N1, and directs citizens to visit www.mass.gov/flu to stay informed.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/10/h1n1-vaccine-and-prisons-setting-the-record-straight.html 2009-10-22T00:00:00Z 2009-10-22T00:00:00Z

You have probably seen the incorrect media reports stating that the Department of Public Health intends to make the H1N1 vaccine available to prison inmates before it is available to members of the general public. These reports are misleading and factually inaccurate. The Department of Public Health has already distributed tens of thousands of H1N1 vaccine doses to hundreds of medical sites around the state to begin the vaccination of children, pregnant women and health care workers, consistent with the federal guidance.

http://blog.ago.state.ma.us/blog/2009/10/octoberisnationaldomesticviolenceawarenessmonth.html 2009-10-15T00:00:00Z 2009-10-15T00:00:00Z

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) estimates that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. In a single year, it is known that at least 1.3 million women are victims of domestic assault. This is also the lowest known number, as the vast majority of domestic violence cases go unreported. Not only is this devastating to the survivors, but also to the children of survivors. Children who grow up in a household witnessing domestic violence are twice as likely to continue the cycle of abuse as adults. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control estimated that in the U.S., the cost of domestic violence in 2003 was over $8.3 Billion.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/10/h1n1-vaccine-safety-debunking-the-myths.html 2009-10-15T00:00:00Z 2009-10-15T00:00:00Z

Paul A. Offit, chief of the infectious diseases division of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and author of “Autism’s False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine and the Search for a Cure”, published an Op-Ed in The New York Times titled "Nothing to Fear but the Flu Itself." Dr. Offit writes, "public health officials are now battling not only a fast-spreading influenza virus but also unfounded fears about the vaccine that can prevent it." He goes on to debunk some of the popular H1N1 vaccine myths, such as the vaccine is unsafe and untested and contains a dangerous preservative. We encourage everyone to take a moment and read Dr. Offit's piece and remember, the best way to prevent seasonal and H1N1 influenza is with the vaccine.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=gov3pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Agov3&b=pressrelease&f=100709_rehiring_firefighters&csid=Agov3 2009-10-08T00:00:00Z 2009-10-08T00:00:00Z

Moving to help municipal fire departments impacted by budget cuts that have forced layoffs and vacancies resulting from attrition, Governor Deval Patrick announced he will release $8.1 million in federal stimulus funds to 13 municipal fire departments in the Commonwealth. The funds will be used to rehire 127 firefighters who were laid off because of budget reductions.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/10/another-informational-resource-about-h1n1-swine-flu-.html 2009-10-08T00:00:00Z 2009-10-08T00:00:00Z

As flu season gets underway, we continue to post the latest information and updates here on our blog as well as at www.mass.gov/flu. But we also want to let folks know about another valuable place on the web to stay up to date on what's happening with seasonal and H1N1 flu. It's a website called www.flu.gov, brought to you by the US Department of Health and Human Services. There's some terrific information on vaccine myths vs. facts, a flu self-evaluation tool which can help reduce trips to the doctor's office or emergency room, plenty of multimedia educational materials, and a lot more.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=bermodulechunk&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Dber&b=terminalcontent&f=nu_20091005_hopeline_2009&csid=Dber 2009-10-06T00:00:00Z 2009-10-06T00:00:00Z

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Since the passage of the landmark Violence Against Women Act in 1994, individuals and organizations across the country, in Massachusetts, and right here in Berkshire County have worked hard to strengthen the response to domestic violence crimes. During National Domestic Violence Awareness month, we recommit ourselves to end violence in our homes, neighborhoods and communities by raising public awareness of the problem and honoring victims and survivors of domestic violence through prevention, campaigns, educational programs, community events and vigils.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=bermodulechunk&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Dber&b=terminalcontent&f=nu_take_15_links&csid=Dber 2009-10-06T00:00:00Z 2009-10-06T00:00:00Z

This new program offers 15 minute educational DVDs providing practical information on current social issues and crime prevention topics for parents, guardians, schools, students and the community. By devoting just 15 minutes to watch, listen and learn, viewers with be provided clear and concise information and resource support on health and safety topics.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eeohhs2&b=pressrelease&f=091001_eee_reminder&csid=Eeohhs2 2009-10-05T00:00:00Z 2009-10-05T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) raised the mosquito alert level from moderate to high in the cities and towns of Raynham and Easton. The decision was made after three mosquito samples, including one mammal-biting species, tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Easton. EEE positive mosquito samples have also been found this week in Amesbury, Haverhill, Methuen, Fairhaven, Rochester, Leominster and Webster.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/10/statewide-flu-summit-webcast.html 2009-10-05T00:00:00Z 2009-10-05T00:00:00Z

The webcast of this weeks Statewide Conference on H1N1 Influenza -- including all breakout and question and answer sessions -- is now available online. You will be prompted to register in order to view all of the materials and video footage. The webcast will be archived online for 12 months.

http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/safetyTips/100409_102509.asp 2009-10-05T00:00:00Z 2009-10-05T00:00:00Z

Ten safety tips to consider for: drive safely to work week including focus your attention on driving as well as sharing the road.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eeohhs2&b=pressrelease&f=091002_h1n1_death&csid=Eeohhs2 2009-10-02T00:00:00Z 2009-10-02T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the death of a 55 year-old female from Middlesex County related to H1N1. The patient had multiple underlying health conditions.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=gov3pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Agov3&b=pressrelease&f=093009_h1n1&csid=Agov3 2009-10-01T00:00:00Z 2009-10-01T00:00:00Z

Governor Deval Patrick announced that the state has placed its first order for H1N1 vaccine with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Due to their vital public health role, the initial small shipment, set to arrive next week, will be used for health care workers only. Additional vaccine shipments will arrive weekly through the end of the flu season and, in about six to eight weeks, the Commonwealth will have enough vaccine in the state to make available to the general public.

http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2009/09/mbta-theft-prevention-tips.html 2009-10-01T00:00:00Z 2009-10-01T00:00:00Z

MBTA Transit Police are reminding T riders to take common sense steps to prevent theft at parking facilities and bike racks, in the wake of recent smash and grab thefts.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/09/weekly-report-on-h1n1-swine-flu-as-of-september-24-2009.html 2009-09-28T00:00:00Z 2009-09-28T00:00:00Z

It now appears that children aged 10 to 17 years of age may only require one dose of the H1N1 vaccine, as opposed to the originally expected two doses. The final recommendations for this age group will be released in the coming weeks.

http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=18191&month=&year= 2009-09-24T00:00:00Z 2009-09-24T00:00:00Z

As part of a three-phased plan to prevent subway track fires like those that disrupted service last week, Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser recorded a public service announcement that will be heard throughout the MBTA system. The effort is part of the MBTA’s initiative to strengthen customer service by communicating honestly with riders and making improvements throughout the system.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eeohhs2&b=pressrelease&f=090918_alert_level_raised&csid=Eeohhs2 2009-09-21T00:00:00Z 2009-09-21T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) raised the mosquito alert level from moderate to high in the cities and towns of New Bedford, Acushnet and Freetown. The decision was made after two mammal-biting mosquito species tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in New Bedford, and additional findings of EEE were found in mosquito samples in Raynham. Earlier this week, West Nile Virus (WNV) was found in mosquito samples from Westport.

http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/h1n1-swine-flu/ 2009-09-15T00:00:00Z 2009-09-15T00:00:00Z

Learn the latest about the H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak in Massachusetts.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eeohhs2&b=pressrelease&f=090914_more_mosquitoes&csid=Eeohhs2 2009-09-15T00:00:00Z 2009-09-15T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced additional findings of West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in multiple mosquito samples from various parts of the state. In the past week, WNV has been found in mosquito samples from New Bedford and Wareham and EEE has been found in mosquito samples from Rochester, Mattapoisett, Plympton, Amesbury and Methuen.

http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/safetyTips/091209_100409.asp 2009-09-15T00:00:00Z 2009-09-15T00:00:00Z

Child safety seats and booster seats save lives. They offer the best protection for children in the event of a crash.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=090910_pr_canoe&csid=Eoeea 2009-09-14T00:00:00Z 2009-09-14T00:00:00Z

With fall weather almost here, the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) remind boaters that state law requires canoeists and kayakers to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times from September 15 through May 15.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2pressrelease&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions&L3=Department+of+Public+Health&sid=Eeohhs2&b=pressrelease&f=090911_mosquitoes_wnv&csid=Eeohhs2 2009-09-14T00:00:00Z 2009-09-14T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced additional findings of West Nile Virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in multiple mosquito samples from various parts of the state. In the past week, WNV has been found in mosquito samples from Amesbury, Shrewsbury and Brookline, and EEE has been found in mosquito samples from Raynham and Sudbury.

http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/press/0909tasp.htm 2009-09-14T00:00:00Z 2009-09-14T00:00:00Z

The Patrick Administration, represented by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Laurie Burt presented Fall River officials with one of the seven emergency spill response equipment trailers that began arriving in Taunton River area communities this week. Each trailer contains equipment that can be deployed quickly by local emergency response officials in case of an oil spill. They are also being delivered to Acushnet, Berkley, Dighton, Freetown, Somerset and Swansea.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eeohhs2&b=pressrelease&f=090901_more_mosquitoes_infected&csid=Eeohhs2 2009-09-03T00:00:00Z 2009-09-03T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced additional findings of West Nile Virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in multiple mosquito samples from various parts of the state. In the past week, WNV has been found in mosquito samples from Quincy, Bourne and Worcester, and EEE has been found in mosquito samples from Lakeville, New Bedford and Merrimac.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=090901_pr_pests&csid=Eoeea 2009-09-03T00:00:00Z 2009-09-03T00:00:00Z

As the new school year approaches, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) is urging parents to ask whether their child’s school or daycare facility it has a current School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan for safe pesticide use.

http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/safetyTips/090109_091109.asp 2009-09-01T00:00:00Z 2009-09-01T00:00:00Z

If you ride a school bus, make sure that you remember to follow these rules.

http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=18033&month=&year= 2009-08-27T00:00:00Z 2009-08-27T00:00:00Z

The MBTA is required to reconfigure its existing communication system facilities. Over the course of one month, the 800 MHZ band will undergo reconfiguration to minimize harmful Commercial interference to the public safety radio communications systems. During this time, real-time arrival countdown signage regularly available at stops along the Silver Line/Washington Street corridor will be temporarily deactivated. Signage is being posted along the Silver Line corridor notifying customers of the temporary deactivation.

http://www.mwra.state.ma.us/01news/2009/082409noatrazine.htm 2009-08-27T00:00:00Z 2009-08-27T00:00:00Z

A recent article in the New York Times and a report released by the NRDC discusses atrazine in drinking water, and how it is often detected across the US. MWRA tests for atrazine regularly and has never detected it in MWRA (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority) water.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2pressrelease&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions&L3=Department+of+Public+Health&sid=Eeohhs2&b=pressrelease&f=090825_eee_northeast_mass&csid=Eeohhs2 2009-08-26T00:00:00Z 2009-08-26T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found in mosquitoes in the town of Merrimac in Essex County. This is the first time that EEE infected mosquitoes have been found in the northeast corner of the state this season. This finding follows last week's announcement that an alpaca from Candia, in southeastern New Hampshire, had tested positive for the disease.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2subtopic&L=6&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions&L3=Department+of+Public+Health&L4=Programs+and+Services+A+-+J&L5=Health+Care+Safety+and+Quality&sid=Eeohhs2 2009-08-25T00:00:00Z 2009-08-25T00:00:00Z

Please note that the Department of Public Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services and Determination of Need Program are moving on August 25, 2009. The Office of Patient Protection and Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety and Medical Error Reduction are moving on August 26, 2009.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eeohhs2&b=pressrelease&f=090820_viruses_spreading&csid=Eeohhs2 2009-08-24T00:00:00Z 2009-08-24T00:00:00Z

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been found in mosquitoes in the city of New Bedford and the town of Easton. EEE virus has been found twice this summer in mosquitoes from Freetown.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=gov3pressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Agov3&b=pressrelease&f=090821_statement_on_hurricane&csid=Agov3 2009-08-22T00:00:00Z 2009-08-22T00:00:00Z

GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK'S STATEMENT ON STORM PREPARATIONS:<br><br> I just wanted to give you an update on Hurricane Bill’s progress. On preparedness, I have been tracking the storm’s progress with the help of the National Weather Service and MEMA and the Emergency Management officials for Cape Cod and the islands. As you may know, the Hurricane continues to travel northerly, with a projected track passing at this point well east and south of Nantucket, most likely from 150-200 miles off the southeast coast of Nantucket, with the greatest impact around daybreak on Sunday morning and then diminishing through the day.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsterminal&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Public+Safety+Agencies&L2=Massachusetts+Emergency+Management+Agency&sid=Eeops&b=terminalcontent&f=mema_feature_story_2009_feature_stories_2009_statement_of_Governor_Deval_Patrick&csid=Eeops 2009-08-22T00:00:00Z 2009-08-22T00:00:00Z

I want to give you an update on the progress of Hurricane Bill, based on early morning briefings by the National Weather Service, MEMA and the emergency management officials on Cape Cod.<br><br> The National Weather Service has now issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Cape and Islands. The Hurricane continues to travel in a northward direction. The center of the storm is still projected to pass approximately 150 miles off the southeast coast of Nantucket. But it is now projected to impact us earlier – we expect tropical storm winds by 9PM this evening, with the most intense period between midnight tonight and early Sunday morning, and then diminishing through the day. That means people out this evening on the outer Cape and the Islands should exercise special caution.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=gov3modulechunk&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Agov3&b=terminalcontent&f=dailyupdate_dailyupdate042909&csid=Agov3 2009-04-29T00:00:00Z 2009-04-29T00:00:00Z

Governor Patrick and state public health officials today announced the first confirmed cases of swine influenza in Massachusetts.