Lowell public‑health update: overdoses decline, flu/COVID rising, hepatitis B down and TB up
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Summary
At the Jan. 7 Board of Health meeting, staff reported overdose calls at their lowest level since February, an uptick in flu and COVID cases with pediatric flu deaths statewide, hepatitis B case counts down from 706 (2024) to 515 (2025), TB cases up to 25, and syringe‑program activity at 11,479 needles this year.
Public‑health staff presented a range of surveillance updates to the Lowell Board of Health on Jan. 7, highlighting falling overdose responses, rising seasonal respiratory illness and changes in infectious‑disease case counts.
Bridal Star Trinity EMS data showed overdose numbers at their lowest level since last February. Staff also reported an uptick in flu cases and rising COVID infections recorded in the Maven system; officials said the flu season may peak about a week to 10 days after children returned to school and urged vaccination. The department noted vaccine availability for insured and uninsured residents and said urgent care centers and hospitals are nearing capacity.
Staff said Massachusetts had four pediatric flu deaths this season that DPH believes were among unvaccinated children; DPH has not definitively confirmed vaccination status, and the board used the figures to urge parents to vaccinate.
On infectious diseases, staff reported hepatitis B cases decreased from 706 in 2024 to 515 in 2025; the board discussed whether changes in migration and case reporting could explain the difference. TB cases were reported at 25 in 2025, up from 16 the prior year; Lowell remains high in regional counts.
Substance‑use program metrics showed 11,479 needles handled this year (down from 15,547 the prior year) and roughly 400 pounds of medication collected at recent sharps take‑back events. Staff said fewer encampments and expanded hotel beds and services (20 additional beds) may affect these totals.
Board members asked for continued tracking and emphasized data‑driven planning as the department coordinates homelessness services and harm‑reduction outreach. No new policy actions or funding requests were made at the meeting.
