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Worcester health officials report jump in COVID cases, urge testing and mosquito precautions
Summary
At a Worcester Board of Health meeting, city public-health officials said local COVID transmission has increased sharply and reviewed recent arboviral activity, including West Nile detections and a travel-related malaria case; officials urged testing, vaccination access for high-risk people and standard mosquito-bite prevention.
At a meeting of the Worcester Board of Health, city public‑health leaders reported a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases and highlighted recent arboviral activity, including West Nile virus detections and a travel‑related malaria case.
Amelia Houghton, chief of public health nursing, told the board that “COVID‑19 cases have tripled from the previous month,” and that influenza and salmonella have declined slightly. Houghton also noted a travel‑related malaria case and urged clinicians to collect travel histories in case investigations, citing CDC travel guidance commonly called the Yellow Book.
Dr. Michael Hirsch, medical director for the Division of Public Health, expanded on the COVID trend and gave practical advice for residents. “If you feel that you’ve been exposed or you feel like you have a flu‑like illness, it’s a wise…
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