Report of the Board of Health
The Board of Health meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7 p.m. in the Land Use Boards workroom, 2nd floor of Town Hall.
Development Trends
Percolation tests for new construction decreased 15.4% from 13 tests in 2009 to 11 tests in 2010. Repair percolation tests decreased 8.5% from 47 tests in 2009 to 43 tests in 2010. New septic system disposal permits increased 12.5% from 7 permits in 2009 to 8 in 2010. Repair septic system disposal permits decreased 4.2% from 48 permits in 2009 to 46 in 2010.
2010 Licenses and Permits
8 | New Septic | 800.00 |
46 | Repair Septic | 00.00 |
11 | New Percs | 1,050.00 |
43 | Repair Percs | 4,300.00 |
29 | Installer’s Permits | 2,175.00 |
13 | Hauler’s Permits | 975.00 |
1 | Rendering Permits | 100.00 |
17 | Tobacco Permits | 850.00 |
39 | Victualler Permits | 390.00 |
61 | Food Permits | 4,835.00 |
53 | Milk & Cream Per. | 98.00 |
3 | TB Test (Clinic) | 30.00 |
4 | Tobacco Fines | 300.00 |
2 | Tanning Permits | 100.00 |
21 | Burial Permits | 210.00 |
1 | Funeral Director | 50.00 |
6 | Pool Permits | 240.00 |
2 | Campgrounds | 150.00 |
2 | Day Camp | 50.00 |
4 | Frozen Foods | 100.00 |
9 | Mobile Units | 225.00 |
11 | Temp Permits | 160.00 |
6 | Bakery Permits | 240.00 |
4 | Catering Permits | 175.00 |
9 | Wells | 450.00 |
TOTAL $18,053.00
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Southwick’s annual household hazardous waste collection day was held on June 26th at the Town hall parking lot. Eighty cars passed through and the STRSD also disposed of unused chemicals.
Environmental Pathogens
Babesiosis
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that in 2009 (the latest report year), there were 78 confirmed cases. This is a 53% increase over 2008. The average age for confirmed cases was 61 years, and 55% were male.
Babesiosis is a vector borne illness usually transmitted by Ixodes ticks. Babesia microti uses the same tick vector, Ixodes scapularis, as Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis, and may occur in conjunction with these other diseases. In endemic areas, the organism can also be transmitted by blood transfusion.
In North America, the disease is prominently found in eastern Long-Island, its barrier island, Fire Island, and islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. More generally it can be found in the northern midwestern and New England states. It is sometimes called "The Malaria of The Northeast." Cases of babesiosis have been reported in a wide range of European countries. Disease in Europe is usually due to infection with Babesia divergens, while in the United States Babesia microti and Babesia duncaniare the species most commonly associated with human disease. Most cases of babesia infection are asymptomatic or include mild fevers and anemia and go unnoticed. In more severe cases, there are symptoms similar to malaria, with fevers up to 105°F / 40°C, shaking chills, and severe anemia (hemolytic anemia). Organ failure may follow including adult respiratory distress syndrome. Severe cases occur mostly in people who have had their spleen removed surgically. Severe cases are also more likely to occur in the very young, very old and persons with immunodeficiency, such as HIV/AIDS patients.
A reported increase in Babesiosis diagnoses in the 2000s is thought to be caused by more widespread testing and higher numbers of people with immunodeficiencies coming in contact with ticks, the disease vector.
West Nile Virus (WNV)
There were no confirmed cases of human infection with WNV in 2009. The number of confirmed human cases nationwide was lower in 2009 (663) compared to 2008 (1356).
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
There were no confirmed human EEE virus infections identified in Massachusetts in 2009.
Lyme Disease
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that in 2009 (the latest report year), 4,028 confirmed cases were reported. This represents a 1.6% decrease over 2008. The majority of confirmed cases had onsets in June, July and August.
The highest incidence was among children aged 5-14 years and adults aged 55-69 years with 77% reporting the EM (Erythema Migrans aka “bulls eye” rash.)
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Planning
Our Health Agent Mr. FitzGerald has remained active with the Hampden County Health Coalition (HCHC) and had previously served as co-chair. Federal funds are used to support various planning activities. Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is our fiscal agent and conduit for funds received to each of the 19 towns in our coalition.
Public Health Nursing Report
2010 was a significant year as the BOH went live in DeceAmber with the statewide electronic database. As part of a national effort to centralize infectious disease surveillance, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has developed an electronic database to replace paper-and-pen epidemiologic reporting between itself, laboratories, and the 351 local health departments in the state. The electronic database, called Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network (MAVEN), is a web-based disease surveillance and case management system. MAVEN offers a number of capabilities for improving data exchange between public health workers It allows users to enter or access information about pandemic events in real-time, it transmits laboratory reports and it exports data to Excel so that users can create reports. Most importantly, it streamlines the reporting process and it is available from any computer with an internet connection.
Our Board of Health nurse Kate Johnson, will be completing her studies in August with a PhD in nursing education from Capella University.
Listed below are the reportable diseases for last year:
3 - Campylobacter
1 - Hepatitis C (acute)
2 - Hepatitis C (chronic)
1 - Legionellosis
7 - Lyme disease
1 - Pertussis
2 - Shigellosis
1 - Toxoplasmosis
A Hepatitis clinic was held for 3 school employees and 1 citizen.
South Pond Beach
The South Pond beach operated during the swimming season (July-August). There were no beach closures though we did encounter an algae bloom in August.
Regulatory Changes
In June 2010, the State food code was amended the Act Relative to Food Allergy Awareness in Restaurants. These amendments to the food code became effective on October 1, 2010 and apply to food establishments that cook, prepare, or serve food intended for immediate consumption either on or off the premises.
Continuing Education/Training
Mr. FitzGerald regularly participates in a variety of seminars, committees, and training programs. He attended the annual Massachusetts Health Officers Association in November in Springfield. The MHOA/DEP seminar held in Hadley during March. He is secretary and executive board member of the Western Mass Public Health Association (WMPHA). The WMPHA provides educational programs in the fields of public health practice and sanitary engineering training for onsite septic systems. Mr. FitzGerald also is vice chairman of the Southwick Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). He serves on the Executive Board of the Hampden County Health Coalition and attends the quarterly meetings of the Massachusetts Food Establishment Advisory Committee (FEAC) as the representative of the Western Mass Public Health Association.
Respectively submitted,
Jerry Azia, D.D.S., Chairman
Susan Brzoska, BS, MS, MT
Casimir M. Tryba
Thomas J. FitzGerald, RS, MS, Agent
Kate Johnson, RN, MPH Public Health Nurse
Kathleen Carlson, Clerk
Jean Nilsson, Meeting Secretary