Massachusetts is hosting seven World Cup matches and many fan events in June and July, and we are expecting hundreds of thousands of people to come to the area. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and healthy, whether you live here or are visiting! General Health and Safety Tips It is going to be hot out! Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even when you do not feel thirsty. Take breaks from the sun by going to shaded areas and air-conditioned spaces when possible. If you are...

Food Inspections Who is involved: Sanitarian Public Health Nurse Epidemiologist What we look for: We inspect all types of food establishments including restaurants, school cafeterias, food trucks, and more. The majority of a food inspection is speaking with kitchen staff and managers to assess knowledge of their food safety program and their ability to implement the food safety program. We focus on the 5 foodborne illness risk factors, as defined by the CDC, which are the most likely...

There are three human-biting tick species in Massachusetts. What do they look like? In what season(s) are they most commonly found? What illnesses can they carry? Blacklegged (Deer) Tick Click image to enlarge. Year-round Lyme disease Babesiosis Anaplasmosis Borrelia miyamotoi (hard tick relapsing fever) Powassan virus Lone Star Tick Click image to enlarge. Spring Summer Fall Alpha Gal Syndrome (red meat allergy) Ehrlichiosis Tularemia STARI American Dog Tick Click image to enlarge. Spring...