Rowe board reports elevated mosquito-borne virus detections, plans flu clinics and CPR training

Chair Herb Butzke reported Sept. 12 that regional arbovirus surveillance has shown an increase in positive findings, prompting stepped-up outreach and prevention measures. He said mosquito testing identified 301 West Nile virus-positive pools and 91 eastern equine encephalitis-positive pools; the office has recorded seven human WNV cases and three human EEE cases across Middlesex, Plymouth and Worcester counties. Butzke said Greenfield has been classified as a moderate-risk area for WNV and the board will issue an automated (robo) call to remind residents to take mosquito precautions.

Butzke also outlined plans for seasonal vaccination: the board discussed a collaborative Flu/COVID clinic at Rowe School with Big Y. The clinic contract requires the board to cover vaccine costs for uninsured residents (the transcript notes few are expected) and the clinic requires at least 30 vaccinees to proceed. The board noted prior turnout of 97 people in 2022 and 57 in 2023 as context for meeting the 30-person threshold. Christine Bailey was asked to check inventory details in the Sanofi vaccine order.

The board voted by motion (mover and seconder not specified in the record) to approve holding an on-site CPR and first-aid training for town employees; the training was discussed as costing a $75 on-site fee plus $75 per participant (maximum of 10 people). Butzke also read nursing statistics for August (11 days worked, 120 patients served, 102 patients aged 65 and older) and reported the town walking club continues on Mondays. The board discussed a possible winter exercise collaboration with Deb Lively.

What’s next: Christine Bailey will confirm vaccine inventory details and complete any contract steps required to schedule the school-based clinic; the board will proceed with the approved CPR/first-aid training arrangement and issue mosquito-prevention outreach.