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Paramus health staff report spike in HMPV and list outreach programs, free rabies clinic set for May 7
Summary
Health staff told the Board of Health about a reported statewide spike in human metapneumovirus, national measles totals, local COVID case counts and a series of community programs including Paramus Walks and a free rabies clinic on May 7, 2026.
Joanna Adamiak, secretary to the Paramus Board of Health, reported on public-health trends and department activity at the March 23 meeting, citing a reported statewide increase in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases and a national total of 1,487 confirmed measles cases as of March 19, 2026; no measles cases were reported in New Jersey, she said.
Adamiak said the New Jersey Department of Health's Respiratory Illness Report shows reduced emergency department visits for influenza and COVID-19 overall, but that recent respiratory outbreaks in long-term care facilities involved influenza, COVID-19 and RSV while school outbreaks were associated with influenza. Local case counts reported in the nurse's report recorded 58 confirmed COVID-19 cases among Paramus residents during January and February.
Staff reports also included routine environmental and registrar activity. Environmental inspections in January and February totaled 158 initial retail food establishment inspections (155 posted satisfactory, 3 conditionally satisfactory), 2 re-inspections, 48 spot checks, 1 plan review and 7 site plan reviews; inspectors investigated 16 citizen complaints, issued 1 abatement notice and 5 court summonses. The deputy registrar reported revenue of $51,330.00 from licenses and permits, $37,812.95 from vital statistics and $162.00 from pet licensing for a period total of $89,304.95. Vital statistics counts for the period included 252 deaths in Paramus (76 resident deaths), 10 marriages in Paramus and 715 births in Paramus (26 births to Paramus residents).
Arti Shah summarized recent and upcoming health-education activities: a Feb. 11 presentation by New Bridge Medical Center on eating for healthy digestion, a Go Red for Women employee breakfast that raised $355 for the American Heart Association, the Mayor's Wellness Challenge kickoff, a TNT Training fitness program for challenge participants, Paramus Walks starting April 13 through June 8 at Van Saun County Park, and a free rabies clinic scheduled for May 7 at the Life Safety Complex Garage.
Board members did not debate new policy at the meeting; staff updates and community programs were recorded for the board's information.
