Infectious Disease

Measles

Measles is a disease caused by a virus that spreads very easily from person to person. It usually lasts a week or two. Measles looks and feels like a cold or the flu at first. A cough, high fever, runny nose and red, watery eyes are common. A few days later, a red, blotchy rash starts on the face, and then spreads to the rest of the body. To learn more, visit CDC or Mass DPH .

Measles

Ticks

ticks

TICK TIPS

Deer tick nymphs and adults may carry germs that cause Lyme disease, babesiosis or human granulocytic anaplasmosis (ehrlichiosis). American dog ticks can carry germs that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. 

Ticks are generally found in wooded habitats, near the ground. Deer ticks may be active year-round, but spring, summer and fall are seasons of high risk. Dog ticks are most active in spring and summer. 

Ticks may be seen more readily on light colored clothing. 

Use repellents appropriately. Do tick checks daily. Remove attached ticks at once. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward using fine-point tweezers. Avoid squeezing the tick.

How To Remove a Tick

tick removal

To learn more about ticks, visit the following link:

What to Do After a Tick Bite (CDC)

Tick-borne disease prevention (Mass DPH)

Tick-borne Diseases (Mass DPH)

Tick Bite: What to Do

Mosquito 

Mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus which can cause illnesses that range from mild to serious disease. Protect yourself through prevention:

  • Use insect repellents
  • Wear long-sleeved clothing
  • Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the hours around dawn and dusk
  • Repair damaged window screens
  • Remove standing water from the areas around your home

For local risk levels for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) based on seasonal testing from June to October, visit Massachusetts Arbovirus Update Page.


Infectious Disease Documents

  1. Eastern Equine Encephalitis Fact Sheet (PDF)
  2. Monkeypox (PDF)
  3. Mosquitoes (JPG)
  4. Norovirus (PDF)
  5. Zika Fact Sheet (PDF)