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Board hears updates on influenza, measles, bird flu and mosquito control; mosquito season messaging aimed at seniors
Summary
Worcester Division of Public Health staff reported lower May influenza and COVID counts than April but warned of a new COVID variant and international measles outbreaks; staff and the Central Mass mosquito control program urged precautions for an uncertain mosquito season, with outreach targeted to older residents.
Worcester public‑health staff reported a decline in confirmed influenza and COVID‑19 cases in May compared with April but highlighted ongoing risks from new variants and other infectious threats, and described the city’s mosquito surveillance and control activities as mosquito season began.
“May cases: we have 38 confirmed cases” of influenza, and “42 cases reported in May” for COVID‑19, public‑health nursing staff reported, noting both figures were down from April counts (388 influenza and 66 COVID in April). The nursing report cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitoring of a new omicron variant labeled NV1.8.1 and said the CDC airport screening program had detected cases in several U.S. regions.
The board heard that measles cases worldwide had risen, with the presenter citing a CDC total of about 1,088 confirmed cases reported by 31 jurisdictions as of May 29 (the presenter said that total did not include Massachusetts); the presenter recommended CDC travel notices and measles guidance. The nursing update also covered avian influenza reporting: staff said more than 1,000 affected dairy cattle herds in 17 states had been reported and that the U.S. government canceled more than $700 million in Moderna funding for a vaccine candidate; CDC continued to report no sustained human‑to‑human H5 transmission.
Dr. Hirsch, who described the Central Mass Mosquito Control program’s long‑standing trapping and testing work in Worcester, explained how the program monitors mosquitoes for West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and other arboviruses and implements targeted spraying if a “positive hit” occurs in a neighborhood. He stressed preventive messaging — the “Five D’s” (avoid dusk and dawn outdoor activity, dress appropriately, drain standing water, and use repellents) — and described outreach to the Worcester Senior Center because older adults face higher risk from severe mosquito‑borne encephalitis.
“Mosquito season this year is a little bit unpredictable,” Dr. Hirsch said, noting a mild winter and variable spring rainfall can both affect mosquito abundance. He recommended DEET repellents and permethrin‑treated clothing as protective measures and said the mosquito program also applies larvicides in known breeding sites, including abandoned pools and culverts.
Board members asked for clarification about who would receive spray notices and how neighborhoods are informed. Staff said notices and safety instructions are distributed in advance where neighborhood spraying is planned, and that residents are advised to keep windows closed and pets inside during spray operations.
No formal board action was taken on the communicable‑disease updates; staff will continue routine reporting and outreach and said they would share links to CDC and Mass.gov guidance cited in the report.
