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Board hears spike in tick‑borne illnesses; plans public outreach and signage
Summary
Health director said Westport is seeing an "unprecedented" rise in Lyme disease, alpha‑gal and Babesia and announced tick education on the department website, new signs at beaches and conservation areas, and a Police Night Out outreach table focused on vectors and heat safety.
Westport's public health director told the Board of Health on Aug. 4 that the town is experiencing a notable increase in tick‑borne illnesses and that the department is stepping up public education and outreach.
"Westport has an unprecedented amount of, tick illness cases, Lyme disease, alpha gal, and, Babesia," the director said, noting that new educational materials are posted online and that signs will be placed at popular sites, including dunes and conservation areas. The board discussed coordinating signage with local land conservation groups and placing informational tables at the upcoming Police Night Out event.
Board members asked staff to circulate materials to partners and to consider a townwide coordinated approach with neighboring jurisdictions and conservation organizations. S2 said the opioid settlement committee and the Board of Health will run two tables at the event: one about the settlement funds and one focused on vector‑borne disease and heat prevention.
