2026-08-03 - Board of Health
Summary
Chair Frances Anthes opened at 6:30 PM with all four members present (Michael Perotto, Patrick Lowe, Joseph Kahoro). The Board approved the June 1 minutes and, after three wording amendments, the July 13 tobacco public hearing minutes, all by unanimous roll call. Staff reported moderate West Nile risk (57 positive mosquito samples in the region, no human cases) and a cyclosporiasis outbreak (about 18 Massachusetts cases, seasonal level). Kyle O'Connor said the updated tobacco regulations took effect July 15, with 221 permitted retailers under caps of 235 retailers and 15 smoking bars; the Board unanimously backed mapping resources and quarterly reports. Cherry Tangri and Nicholas Antanavica presented Worcester's state SAPHE 2.0 self-assessment, and Antanavica reported more than 4,000 inspections in two quarters. Seema Dixit gave a Commissioner's report and discussed the Community HealthLink closure; unanimous motions asked for CHL updates and an invitation to its leadership, a future report from Dixit on the City's response to Temporary Protected Status changes, and a (4-0) motion to put the Civilian Review Board on the next agenda. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM; a note appended to the minutes says the September 14 meeting was adjourned without deliberations because of technical difficulties and rescheduled to September 30.
Summary written from the official minutes; no transcript yet.
Issues discussed: Tobacco Regulations Update (2026), Community Health Link Closure and Transition, Temporary Protected Status Response Report, SAPHE 2.0 Public Health Performance Standards, Police Oversight and Civilian Review Board
Official Minutes
Posted on PrimeGov, with the attached Monthly Nursing Communicable Disease Report (May-July 2026). The garbled text of the SAPHE 2.0 slide deck attached to the same document is omitted; its content is summarized in the minutes. Page numbers and boilerplate removed.
WORCESTER BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
Meeting Minutes
August 3, 2026
25 MEADE STREET, ROOM 109 1ST FLOOR. WORCESTER, MA
Welcome
Board Members Present:
Chair-Frances Anthes, Michael Perotto, Dr. Patrick Lowe, Joseph Kahoro
Staff Present:
Seema Dixit, HHS Commissioner; Jennifer Bradford, Medical Director, HHS; Lee Hall, Director
of Housing and Inspectional Services; Nick Antanavica, Commissioner of Inspectional Services;
Cherry Tangri, Grant Manager; Amelia Houghton, Chief of Public Health Nursing; Kyle OConnor,
Tobacco Prevention Specialist.
Staff Virtual:
Desiree Sutton, Business Manager; Jennifer Nakijoba, Chief of Community Health; Brenda
Wright, Principal Clerk
Guest Present:
Henry Schwan, Reporter- Worcester T&G
1. Call to Order
Chair Frances Anthes called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
2. Welcome and Introductions
Board members introduced themselves: Michael Perotto, Patrick Lowe, Joseph Kahoro, and Chair
Frances Anthes. Attendees present and virtual were also asked to introduce themselves
3. Announcements
The Chair reported that there were two sets of minutes to be approved: The last BOH minutes from
June 1st BOH meeting and July 13th Tobacco Public Hearing.
4. Minutes of last meeting
The Chair called for a motion to approve the minutes presented.
Michael Perotto made a motion to approve the June 1 BOH minutes. This was approved
unanimously by roll call vote, with Frances Anthes, Joseph Kahoro, Patrick Lowe, and Michael
Perotto voting in the affirmative.
The Board then reviewed the minutes of the July 13, 2026 public hearing on the proposed tobacco
regulations. Chair Anthes recommended the following amendments:
• Under the Summary of Written Public Comments, Item No. 2, removal of a repetitive
sentence beginning, “The commentator also stated.”
• Under Item No. 3, insertion of the word “some” to reflect that Meryl’s Safe Haven
expressed some support for the proposed regulations.
• On page six, within comments made by Cheryl Sbarra, Executive Director of the
Massachusetts Association of Health Boards, addition of the word “unfavorably” to clarify
that Worcester’s number of smoking establishments was being compared unfavorably with
other Massachusetts communities.
The Chair requested a motion to approve the proposed amendments to minutes.
Patrick Lowe made a motion to approve the proposed amendments to the minutes. It was approved
unanimously by roll call vote.
Fran then requested a motion to approve the public hearing minutes as amended.
Patrick Lowe made a motion to approve the public hearing minutes as amended. It was approved
unanimously by roll call vote.
5. Nursing and Communicable Disease Update: Amelia Houghton, Chief PHN, DPH
• Amelia provided a brief overview of the report distributed in advance and noted that Dr.
Jennifer Bradford would provide additional information on the current cyclosporiasis
outbreak.
• Chair Anthes asked about increased West Nile virus activity. Amelia reported that
Worcester’s risk level had increased to moderate, with 57 positive mosquito samples
reported in the region during the week.
• She noted that the increase is typical for this time of year, particularly following heavy
rainfall, and confirmed that mosquito surveillance, control, and spraying activities are
ongoing.
• Public health recommendations included avoiding outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk,
using mosquito repellent, treating clothing with insect repellent, and wearing protective
clothing.
• Amelia clarified that the positive mosquito samples do not represent human cases. No
human cases of West Nile virus have been reported at this time.
Dr. Jennifer Bradford Report
• Dr. Jennifer Bradford provided an overview of cyclospora and cyclosporiasis, noting that
cases typically increase from May through August.
• She reported that the current outbreak is primarily affecting Midwestern states, with
approximately 18 cases reported in Massachusetts, consistent with seasonal levels. Lettuce
has been identified as a potential source.
• Dr. Bradford advised residents to thoroughly wash fresh produce and hands before
handling food. Symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss,
abdominal cramping, and bloating. She advised those experiencing persistent or severe
diarrhea to consult a healthcare provider.
Michael Perotto asked whether certain areas of the city had higher levels of positive mosquito
samples. Amelia advised that this information is available through the arbovirus reports and maps
and agreed to distribute the weekly reports to Board members.
Additional information may be accessed online at:
Fight the Bite | City of Worcester and Mosquitoes and Ticks | Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/mosquitoes-and-ticks
https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/investigation.html
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-eggs-
july-2026
or by scanning the QR Codes below.
Cyclosporiasis Andes virus–related cluster. Ebola Updates
The report can be accessed online at www.worcesterma.gov/public-health.The Board thanked
Amelia and Dr. Bradford for their updates.
6. Tobacco Update – Kyle OConnor, Tobacco Prevention Specialist, WDPH
• Kyle O’Connor provided an update on tobacco regulations, permits, retail education, and
enforcement.
• He reported that updated tobacco regulations were approved July 13, 2026, and became
effective July 15, 2026. One new tobacco sales permit has since been approved under the
three-year grandfather provision.
• There are currently 221 permitted tobacco retailers: 12 smoking bars, 22 smoke shops, and
187 general retailers. The caps of 235 retailers and 15 smoking bars have not been reached.
• Retail education and enforcement activities are ongoing, including youth compliance
checks and educational visits regarding the updated regulations.
Patrick Lowe requested an overview of retail education visits and youth compliance checks.
Mr. O’Connor explained that,
- All tobacco retailers will receive education visits covering updated local and state
regulations, retailer responsibilities, and employee training record requirements.
- Education visits are ongoing and will take time to complete due to the number of retailers.
- Youth compliance checks are conducted at non-smoking tobacco retailers at least annually.
Failed checks may result in fines or suspensions under the updated regulations.
- Smoking bars are subject to additional compliance requirements and are addressed in
coordination with state and local Police.
The Board expressed appreciation to Kyle and the Division for the significant work completed in
revising the tobacco regulations. They acknowledged the extensive process involved and noted
that the updated regulations are intended to be clearer, more concise, and easier to implement.
Dr. Lowe suggested developing a tobacco regulation dashboard to provide ongoing transparency
on licensing, approvals, transfers, violations, and enforcement. He recommended periodic Board
presentations and potential public access through the Division’s website.
Kyle responded that the Division is developing dashboards covering inspections, enforcement,
community engagement, policy updates, and retailer information. The Board discussed using
mapping to show retailer locations, clustering, and 500-foot buffer requirements. He agreed that
mapping could help prospective retailers understand location requirements and said he’d bring the
suggestion back to the team for consideration
Motion – Tobacco Regulation Dashboard and Quarterly Reports
The Board discussed formalizing a request for quarterly tobacco regulation reports, consistent with
reporting from other divisions. Reports would include licensing activity, mapping, enforcement,
and other implementation updates.
Michael Perotto moved to support the development of mapping resources and quarterly reports
related to the Tobacco Ordinance. The motion was approved unanimously by roll call vote, with
Joseph Kahoro, Michael Perotto, Patrick Lowe, and Chair Frances Anthes voting in favor.
Chair Anthes noted that the tobacco reports will be incorporated into the Board’s quarterly
reporting structure and thanked Mr. O’Connor for his work.
7. Presentation SAPHE 2.0: Presented by Cherry Tangri, Grant Manager for the Public
Health Excellence Capacity Building Grant and Nick Antanavica, ISD Commissioner
Before the presentation, the Chair thanked staff for the background guidance document and noted
that several Board members had joined since the program’s implementation approximately one
year ago. Cherry, who leads the SAPHE 2.0 reporting process, explained that SAPHE 2.0 (State
Action for Public Health Excellence) is a collaborative initiative between the Inspectional Services
Department (ISD) and the Division of Public Health (DPH).
There was a brief delay at the start of the presentation due to technical difficulties with screen
sharing. Once resolved, the presentation proceeded.
• Cherry Tangri explained that legislation signed in November 2024 made annual Blueprint
for Public Health Excellence performance standards reporting mandatory for all 351
Massachusetts municipalities. She provided a brief history of the Blueprint, noting that a
special legislative commission was established in 2016 to evaluate the effectiveness and
efficiency of local public health systems. In 2019, the commission issued recommendations
in six areas: workforce development, data, performance standards, capacity building,
sustainable funding, and cross-jurisdictional services. She also reviewed state public health
grant programs, noting that the current Capacity Building Grant supports larger
municipalities, including Worcester.
• She outlined performance standards for Boards of Health, including inspections, tobacco
enforcement, environmental health, housing, food, pools, beaches, body art, epidemiology,
and communicable disease investigations. Workforce standards address staff and Board
training and credentials.
• Cherry said that Worcester has completed both required surveys and is following annual
reporting requirements. The standards also help assess capacity, identify service gaps, and
guide improvements. Cherry reviewed the Performance Standards Summary, which
consolidates SAPHE 2.0 survey results across eight public health subject areas. The survey
included 164 questions, with 151 applicable to Worcester. “Yes” responses indicated
compliance, while “No” responses identified gaps and barriers such as staffing, training,
funding, or lack of awareness. The results will help prioritize areas for improvement.
Board discussion on presentation
Board member Patrick Lowe requested clarification on the SAPHE 2.0 survey methodology. Ms.
Tangri explained that the 164-question survey, with 151 applicable to Worcester, was completed
collaboratively by subject matter experts and team leaders from DPH and ISD. Responses reflected
staff consensus for each program area. The summary identified standards met and areas needing
improvement, based on input from the respective program managers.
HHS Commissioner Seema Dixit clarified that questions for each subject area were answered by
the respective program experts and reflected the work and practices of those areas. She said the
survey is meant to assess Worcester’s public health capacity, staffing, training, and resources
rather than simply determine compliance. She noted that the survey provides a consensus-based
assessment that can help identify areas where additional state support is needed. Seema said that
these findings will be discussed with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Commissioner in September.
Cherry added that the survey also serves as a structured self-assessment that enables municipalities
to identify operational strengths and gaps while informing requests for technical assistance and
support from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. She explained that a response
indicating a need for improvement does not mean the Division has failed to perform a function or
is non-compliant. She said similar assessment efforts have been conducted nationally, and that
Massachusetts has implemented SAPHE 2.0 as a structured approach to evaluating and supporting
local public health capacity. The reporting period for the survey covered the previous fiscal year,
July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
The Chair asked whether the SAPHE 2.0 assessment now evaluates Worcester independently,
noting its previous participation in a regional public health structure. Cherry confirmed that the
current assessment focuses on Worcester’s local public health capacity and performance standards.
The presentation can be accessed online at www.worcesterma.gov/public-health
8. Inspectional Services Update: Nicholas Antanavica, ISD Commissioner
SAFE 2.0 Data Tracking and Inspection Activity Report
➢ Nick provided an update on public health activity tracking in coordination with SAPHE
2.0. In collaboration with DPH support, health inspectors began using digital daily tracking
sheets in January to document inspection activities. He presented first- and second-quarter
results, noting that the data will support reporting, compliance, training, and identification
of Worcester-specific public health trends.
➢ He presented housing inspection data, including inspection categories, complaints, and
outcomes. More than 4,000 inspections were completed during the first two quarters,
resulting in approximately 6,300 category placements. Common issues included nuisance
conditions, particularly trash and overgrowth. Staff are refining the data presentation to
account for duplicate entries and multiple violations.
➢ Nick noted that collecting and analyzing inspection data will support data-driven decisions,
policy development, and presentations to the Board and City Council. He also discussed
developing heat maps to identify geographic trends and target outreach, education, grants,
and resources to areas with identified needs.
➢ Nick explained that the inspection data will establish a baseline as the City transitions to a
risk-based inspection program. The data will help evaluate inspections, complaint trends,
response methods, and enforcement strategies. He also reviewed air, water, and hazardous
waste inspection data, highlighting seasonal trends such as beach and summer camp
inspections, water testing, and increased sewer and discharge issues following heavy
rainfall.
The Chair expressed appreciation to Nick for the report
Board questions/comments on presentation
1. Michael Perotto asked about the timeline for addressing trash and nuisance complaints, using
an overflowing dumpster as an example. Nick explained that while complex cases may take
six to nine months, most are resolved sooner, typically within approximately three months.
2. Patrick Lowe highlighted the value of distinguishing routine from complaint-driven
inspections. He noted that analyzing and mapping the data could support a more proactive
approach to public health and inform decision-making in areas such as tobacco regulation. He
expressed appreciation for the development of the data system.
3. Fran asked whether the inspection data provided a baseline for comparison with previous years.
Nick clarified that the data establishes a baseline for new processes and permitting systems,
while historical data remains available for comparison. He noted that the existing CSRS system
is outdated and lacks the capacity to support current reporting needs.
4. Fran asked about staff adaptation to the new processes. Nick acknowledged a learning curve,
including challenges with the rental registry technology. He said the Department is improving
technology platforms and providing additional training and support to staff. He noted that
SAPHE 2.0 will help identify workforce training needs.
5. Dr. Lowe requested clarification on the risk-based food licensing system. Commissioner
Antanavica explained that establishments are categorized based on food type, preparation
methods, establishment type, and compliance history. Lower-risk establishments receive fewer
inspections, while higher-risk establishments may receive up to four annually. Risk categories,
inspection frequency, and fees may change based on compliance history.
6. Michael Perotto asked whether nail salons fall under the Department’s jurisdiction. Nick
clarified that nail salons are regulated and licensed by the Commonwealth and are subject to
state inspection.
Upcoming Data Reporting Initiative
Nick reported on ISD’s collaboration with DPH to improve inspection data collection and analysis.
A digital reporting system now allows inspectors to document inspections, nuisance conditions,
and code violations electronically. Preliminary findings on inspection activity and trends are
expected to be presented at the next Board meeting.
The Board thanked ISD and DPH staff for their efforts in implementing the new processes and
noted that improved data collection will support public health decision-making and program
improvements The Chair thanked ISD staff for the update and their continued collaboration with
DPH.
9. Commissioner’s Report– Seema Dixit, HHS Commissioner
Commissioner Seema Dixit thanked Commissioner Nick and Director Lee for presenting the data.
She also highlighted the strong collaboration between DPH and ISD.
- Commissioner Dixit provided an update on the Unhoused Committee, a monthly
collaboration of organizations serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The group
is developing a strategic framework focused on shelter capacity, outreach, service
connections, and care coordination. Further updates will be provided as the work
progresses.
- Commissioner Dixit highlighted the City’s Community Resource Asset Mapping (CRAM)
initiative, which identifies shelters, sober housing, social services, and other community
resources. The resource identifies shelters, sober housing, social services, and other
community support throughout the city. She noted that the goal is to develop the resource
into a live dashboard to help residents and service providers locate available resources,
including food pantries, shelters, temporary housing, and other supports. CRAM is
available through the City of Worcester Health and Human Services website.
- Commissioner Dixit provided an update on Worcester’s opioid abatement funding, which
comes from national pharmaceutical settlements and is distributed based on factors such as
population and opioid-related impacts. Worcester has received annual funding since 2023,
with allocations expected through 2039.
- She announced an upcoming Opioid Stakeholders Meeting scheduled for August 19, 2026,
intended to establish ongoing engagement with community partners and stakeholders.
Discussion topics will include the use of opioid abatement funds, opioid overdose trends,
reductions in overdose fatalities compared with state and national data, evidence-based
practices, and strategies for future prevention efforts. The information gathered will help
inform future priorities and potential requests for proposals related to opioid prevention
and overdose response. She encouraged Board members and interested parties to
participate in the stakeholder meeting due to the importance of opioid prevention as a
public health issue. This will be held August 19, 2026
- Commissioner Dixit announced an International Overdose Awareness Day event at City
Hall on August 31, 2026. The event will honor lives lost to opioid overdose and include
public health data, a moment of silence, and remarks from individuals with lived
experience.
- Commissioner Dixit provided an update on the Division of Youth Opportunities’ summer
camp program, which runs for six weeks from July through mid-August and is serving
approximately 480 youth ages 7–12. This is an annual initiative supporting Worcester
youth.
10. Community HealthLink Update on closing
- The Commissioner reported that DPH continues to receive updates from community
partners regarding healthcare access concerns. The Department is participating in
coordination efforts to connect residents at risk of losing coverage with available resources,
including pro bono legal assistance. She explained that while DPH is not directly leading
this effort, the Department continues to participate in coordination calls and remains
informed.
Board questions
Board member Michael Perotto asked about the impact of the Community HealthLink merger on
employees and services. Commissioner Dixit reported that the merger has resulted in some staff
reductions and voluntary departures due to organizational uncertainty. She noted that DPH
continues to monitor the situation and the impact on caregivers and service providers. Michael
requested additional information on the CHL transition, including staffing, service continuity, and
affected programs. Commissioner Dixit noted that the Board could request an update from CHL
leadership and that she had discussed having the CHL President attend a future Board meeting.
She suggested an update may be more appropriate once the transition is finalized.
Commissioner Dixit reported that she has been in communication with the acquiring organization,
PHN, and expects representatives to address the Board after the transition to discuss services and
plans. The Board emphasized the need for clarity on service continuity and the transfer of funding
and state contracts. Commissioner Dixit explained that CHL notified the state of its planned
closure and that the transition involves coordination with the state regarding contracts, programs,
staffing, union matters, and regulatory requirements.
Michael emphasized the importance of maintaining service continuity during the CHL transition
and considering the impact on affected employees. He expressed hope that displaced CHL staff
would be considered for available positions with successor organizations.
Michael Perotto requested in the form of a motion, that the Board continue to receive Status update
on Community Health Link and its ongoing transition.
Michael Perotto moved that the Board receive updates on the status and transition of Community
Health Link (CHL) and invite CHL leadership to a future Board meeting to discuss the transition,
continuity of services, and its impact on clients and staff.
The motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Patrick Lowe thanked staff for developing the community resource dashboard and noted its value
for healthcare providers, particularly those assisting patients with social service and housing needs.
He asked whether the dashboard would include details on available services. Commissioner Dixit
explained that the dashboard currently provides some service information and is being enhanced
while maintaining privacy requirements. She noted that sensitive resources, such as domestic
violence shelters, cannot be publicly identified. Staff are working with agencies to determine
appropriate information to share and improve connections to services.
Dr. Lowe asked about the administration of the City’s opioid abatement funding. Commissioner
Dixit explained that the Health and Human Services Department receives and administers the
funds on behalf of the City. She noted that she had not yet received the current funding cycle but
provided background on prior allocations. She reported that the previous funding round included
nine mini-grants of approximately $50,000 each to community organizations. The grants supported
opioid prevention and response efforts, including overdose prevention, Narcan distribution, harm
reduction, shelter support, and other services. One grant supported Community Health Link’s
mobile shower program for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Commissioner Dixit reported that two larger grants were also awarded, including funding for a
substance use treatment center that remains in development pending required processes and
documentation. She noted that the August 19 stakeholder meeting will review prior investments,
progress, evidence-based practices, and future priorities to inform an RFP anticipated for late
October or November. The meeting will be recorded, and materials will be shared with Board
members unable to attend.
Concerns Regarding TPS and Immigration Impacts
Fran raised concerns about potential changes to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and their impact
on Worcester residents, families, and essential workers. She asked about City plans to support
affected residents and emphasized the need for community preparedness. She emphasized that the
issue extends beyond individual cases, noting that many affected individuals are long-term
Worcester residents who have lived, worked, and contributed to the community for years. She
asked how City leadership plans to address the potential impacts. Commissioner Dixit responded
that the City and community partners have discussed available resources, including pro bono legal
assistance. She noted that she did not have details on the City’s broader response plan but
recognized the potential impact on the Worcester community and the importance of addressing
these potential impacts on vulnerable residents.
Dr. Lowe noted that the issue could have broader community impacts, including disruptions to
healthcare, social services, and other essential sectors, as well as effects on individuals and
families.
Dr. Lowe introduced a second motion.
Dr. Lowe moved that Commissioner Seema Dixit, in collaboration with City administration and
community partners, provide a future report to the BOH on the City’s planning and response to
potential community and public health impacts associated with changes to Temporary Protected
Status (TPS). The report would include available information on preparedness, contingency
planning, support for affected residents, and continuity of essential services.
It was unanimously approved by the Board.
The Chair noted that, as City Council is again considering the CRB issue, the Board should revisit
its previous discussions and position from 2020 and 2021.
Fran made a motion to include a discussion of the Civilian Review Board as an agenda item for
the next Board meeting.
The motion was approved unanimously with a (4–0).
The Chair asked the Commissioner to obtain and distribute the 2020–2021 meeting minutes related
to the CRB discussions. She said the Human Rights Commission had also been involved and may
have previously taken a position. She suggested inviting the Human Rights Commission Chair to
a future meeting to provide background and its current perspective. The Board agreed that this
would be helpful.
Mike Perotto raised a procedural question regarding the appointment of Human Rights
Commission members and suggested confirming with the City Manager before inviting a
representative to participate, noting its complexity and the City Council’s current discussions. He
supported revisiting the Civilian Review Board.
The Chair requested a motion to communicate with the City Manager regarding the Board’s
interest in revisiting the Civilian Review Board.
The Chair moved that staff communicate with the City Manager to inform the Administration of
the Board’s interest in engaging with the Human Rights Commission regarding the Civilian
Review Board. The discussion would provide perspectives from other city boards and
commissions as the Board revisits its prior position.
The motion was unanimously approved.
11. Next Meeting Date & Topics
Next Meeting: September 14, 2026
Topics:
• Update on the status and transition of Community Health Link.
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS)R: The city’s plan and response to community and public
health impacts associated with the changes.
• Discussion regarding the Civilian Review Board (CRB).
12. Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Michael Perotto. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00p.m.
NB: The BOH meeting for September 14, 2026, was adjourned without
deliberations due to technical difficulties. It is rescheduled for Wednesday,
September 30, 2026, from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
Board of Health
Monthly Nursing Communicable Disease Report
Report Date: August 3, 2026
Reporting Period: May – July 2026
Contents of Report:
Brief Overview of Communicable Disease Trends ............................................................................. 2
Seasonal Education and Resources ........................................................................................................... 3
Emerging Infectious Diseases: Update……………….…………………………………………………………………………….3
End of Report……………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…….4
1. Brief Overview of Communicable Disease
Trends
The following section provides an overview of trends in case counts observed
between May 2026 and June-July 2026 (Table 1).
Note-
Overall, the period reflects declining influenza activity, rising bacterial respiratory and
hepatitis cases, and emerging increases in certain foodborne and vector-borne
conditions.
May Jun-
Category Condition Change
2026 Jul
2026
Respiratory Influenza (Flu) (viral) 36 6 -30
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (viral) 7 13 +5
Streptococcus Pneumonia 0 1 +1
(bacterial) (coughing, sneezing
or direct contact with secretions)
Group A Strep (bacterial or direct 3 7 +4
contact with wounds)
Group B Strep (bacterial) (usually 0 2 +2
affects newborns and adults with
chronic diseases)
Foodborne Cyclosporiasis (parasite) (food or 0 1 +1
Illness water that has been contaminated
with Cyclospora oocysts)
Salmonellosis (bacterial) 0 3 +3
(contaminated food and water or
direct contact through fecal-oral
route)
Norovirus (viral) (contaminated food 1 1 0
or utensils)
Campylobacteriosis (bacterial) (also 1 1 0
by animal feces contact)
Vector Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis 0 1 +1
Borne (HGA) (bacteria are spread to people
by tick bites)
Hepatitis Hepatitis A 0 0 0
Hepatitis B 6 10 +4
Hepatitis C 0 10 +10
Travel Malaria (parasites transmitted 1 1 0
through mosquitos)
Table 1 Shows monthly case count changes. A negative (-) sign indicates a decrease in case counts from last
month. A positive (+) sign indicates an increase in case counts from the previous month.
2. Seasonal Education and Resources
Mosquito, Tick, and Animal‑Related Illness Prevention
Learn about mosquito bite prevention, rabies, ticks, Lyme disease, and how to safely
remove a tick under City of Worcester website Worcesterma.gov
Fight the Bite | City of Worcester and Mosquitoes and Ticks | Mass.gov
The CDC continues to post multiple travel health notices for mosquito-borne diseases.
For a complete list of Travel Health notices visit:
Travel Health Notices | Travelers' Health | CDC
3. Emerging Infectious Diseases: Update
Ebola — Current Situation & Massachusetts Impact
• The ongoing Ebola outbreak is in the Democratic Republic of Congo and
Uganda, caused by the Bundibugyo strain.
• No cases have been detected in the United States, and the CDC states the risk to
the American public is very low.
• Massachusetts impact: No cases, no specific travel-related alerts beyond general
CDC guidance.
• https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/index.html
Hantavirus — Current Situation & Massachusetts Impact
• A recent cluster of Andes virus–related hantavirus occurred on an international
cruise ship.
• No U.S. cases of Andes hantavirus have been detected, and CDC declares risk to
the public as extremely low.
• Routine U.S. hantavirus (Sin Nombre–related) continues at low levels (24 cases
nationally this year), none linked to MA.
• Massachusetts impact: No known cases or exposures.
• https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/media/pdfs/2026/05/Andes-Virus-Guidancet_May14.pdf
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak — Current Situation & Massachusetts Impact
• The U.S. is experiencing a large multistate Cyclospora outbreak, with thousands
of cases nationwide.
• A major outbreak is tied to iceberg lettuce (Taylor Farms), which was distributed
in Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts reports normal seasonal levels (~18 cases early season), not
showing a large surge like the Midwest, but recalled lettuce DID reach MA food
service locations.
• https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/investigation.html
Egg Recall — Salmonella & Massachusetts Impact
• Over 19 million eggs recalled due to Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, tied to
Texas-based producers.
• Distribution includes TX, OK, LA, AR, NM, MS, but NOT Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts impact: No affected shipments reported; MA stores were not
included in FDA recall distribution lists.
• https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-
eggs-july-2026
To Scan QR codes:
Scan for official U.S. updates on Ebola activity and risk.
Scan for current CDC guidance and U.S. risk regarding the recent Andes virus–related cluster.
Scan for Cyclosporiasis case counts, outbreak investigations, and prevention tips.
Scan for details on the egg recall, affected brands, and safety guidance.
END OF REPORT
Transcript
Transcript pending: YouTube captions can't be retrieved yet (see the Worcester playbook).