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DHHS reports measles rise, wastewater trends, H5N1 testing; Hampshire HOPE to screen recovery film
Summary
Public health staff briefed the board on a regional rise in measles cases, wastewater monitoring trends, H5N1 testing of dairy farms, upcoming Hampshire HOPE screening, and community concerns about Narcan box mapping.
Public health staff updated the Northampton City Board of Health on several ongoing public‑health topics at the March 20 meeting, including measles activity, wastewater surveillance, avian influenza testing, community outreach events and opioid‑overdose prevention work.
Measles and vaccination guidance Jen Brown, a public health nurse, briefed the board on national measles reports and local vaccination context. She said the U.S. reported 301 cases in the latest week, up from 222 the prior week, with about 50 hospitalizations and two reported deaths. Brown and other staff urged residents to check MMR vaccination status and noted that many local pharmacies and urgent‑care clinics are stocking the MMR vaccine.
Wastewater and H5N1 Staff reported that Northampton’s BioBot wastewater surveillance shows overall respiratory markers trending downward, though short‑term blips can occur. Amy Hutchins, director of environmental health, summarized recent state‑level activity around H5N1: Massachusetts authorities tested milk from licensed dairy farms (all negative so far) and advised backyard flock owners to take biosecurity measures.
Hampshire HOPE and community events Lauren Kelly, the new Hampshire HOPE coordinator on the DHHS prevention team, announced a public screening of the documentary Recovery City on Thursday, March 27, at the Academy of Music. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; the film begins at 6:30 and will include a post‑screening panel with the filmmaker and participants. Lauren described the event as part of outreach on overdose prevention, harm reduction and recovery supports.
Narcan boxes and community mapping During public comment, Ward 5 resident Brian Wilby raised inaccuracies on the city’s Narcan box map and noted a lack of boxes in Florence. Staff acknowledged the concern and said they would follow up on map accuracy and options to expand access, including asking local businesses to host boxes.
Nursing and outreach activities Public health nurses described ongoing DCC (drop‑in center) education boards, bloodborne‑pathogen training for staff, and plans for National Public Health Week events such as Narcan trainings, seed shares and possible COVID spring booster clinics in Pulaski Park.
Ending: Staff said they will continue outreach on measles vaccination, follow up on Narcan box locations, and circulate more details about Hampshire HOPE events and survey results at the April meeting.
