Sudbury health officials report first chikungunya case, norovirus uptick; final flu clinic set for Dec. 11

Sudbury Public Health Nurse Katie Betts reported on Dec. 10 that the town has recorded one case of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness contracted outside the United States, and she warned residents about symptoms including severe joint pain and fever.

Betts also said cases of campylobacter (typically from contaminated food or water) remain a concern for young and elderly residents and that norovirus reports have increased. She advised frequent handwashing and surface cleaning, noting that hand sanitizers do not kill norovirus.

On immunization guidance, Betts summarized recent changes to the CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices pediatric schedule, saying the American Academy of Pediatrics had denounced the update and that, according to her briefing, Governor Healy had overridden the new CDC schedule for Massachusetts residents. The board received this as a report of external policy changes rather than a local policy decision.

Betts announced a final flu clinic for Dec. 11 at Cavicchio Greenhouses and said she will continue vaccinating residents and town employees in the Health Office until supplies are depleted.

Social services staff also reported outreach work: Social worker Nina Lurie said she has referred residents in need to food and care pantries and distributed gift cards; Kirstin Wilcox described a successful coat drive run with Memorial Congregational Church and said Chabad Center coordinated holiday assistance with local stakeholders. Lurie and Wilcox noted intern contributions and community partnerships in recent weeks.