Massachusetts sees a rise in foodborne illness caused by Cyclospora

Residents reminded to follow food safety guidelines

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging residents to practice safe food handling practices following an increase in reported infections of Cyclospora, a foodborne illness that causes gastrointestinal symptoms, mainly diarrhea, that can sometimes be severe.

Since May 1, 2019, there have been more than 100 reports of Cyclospora infection cases in the state, when, over the past three years, DPH has received between 18 and 33 reported cases. Most cases this year have occurred in greater Boston, but infections have been reported in residents across the Commonwealth. Other states have also reported increases in the number of cyclosporiasis cases; the cause of the outbreak is not yet known.

Read the full press release from the Massachusetts Department of Health here.
Learn more about cyclospora here.

Cooling Station in Town Hall (7/20 & 7/21)

In response to the forecast for excessive heat and humidity this weekend, the Council on Aging room, in Town Hall, will be open this Saturday and Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm as a local cooling center if any resident needs a place to cool off. Be sure to stay hydrated and check on the wellbeing of family, friends, neighbors, and pets/animals.