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Board of Health reports low respiratory illness activity, warns residents about tick season
Summary
At its April 7 meeting, the Town of Templeton Board of Health reported low emergency-department visits for respiratory illnesses, zero positive COVID molecular tests in the most recent week, and urged residents to take precautions as tick season begins.
The Town of Templeton Board of Health reported low respiratory-illness activity and zero positive COVID-19 molecular tests in the most recent reporting week, and urged residents to take steps to avoid tick exposure as the region enters tick season.
Lori, a board member, provided the communicable-disease update, saying that through the week ending March 28 there were six molecular COVID-19 tests reported and "they were zero positives." She told the board that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health estimates emergency-department visits related to respiratory illness are low for acute respiratory disease, very low for COVID-19, and low for both influenza and RSV, which she said suggests the season is winding down.
On ticks, board members noted that ticks have been active during the winter and cautioned residents to use protective measures when entering wooded or tall-grass areas. "Seal up the wrists and the ankles. Use repellents and check clothing," one member advised. The board discussed the potential incursion of the lone star tick into New England and said it would circulate guidance; members suggested practical tips such as checking clothing and using lint rollers after outdoor activities.
The board said it will post prevention information and encouraged residents to follow standard tick-avoidance practices. No formal action or new regulations were adopted at the meeting; the update was provided for situational awareness and public guidance.
