Health District

 

Health Director Mark Cooper said Wednesday that one dead crow has been found in Newtown over the last two weeks, not eight as in a recent published report. The crow was not tested for the West Nile-like strain of encephalitis because one crow is not considered a problem, he said.

“If people found a lot of dead crows, then we would be concerned,” Mr Cooper said.

He said because crows are more susceptible to the disease, a log is being kept of any dead crows that are found.

In regard to encephalitis concerns, Mr Cooper told Newtown District Department of Health board members Monday that mosquito traps in Newtown are clean, with no incidence of mosquitos carrying either the St Louis or West Nile-like strains of encephalitis.

He said people can reduce exposure to mosquito bites by wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants and through the use of bug repellant.

Mr Cooper said Monday that the members of Local 760 of CSEA/SEIU (Civil Service Employees Affiliation/Service Employees International Union), have ratified their contract and he is awaiting their signature on the contract. Under the agreement, the Health District union employees will receive a three percent wage increase retroactive to July.

Funds were included in the 1999-2000 budget to cover the anticipated salary increases, he said.

Mr Cooper also announced the resignation of senior sanitarian Martha Wright effective October 15. She has been a town employee for 11 years.

Mr Cooper suggested that the board look at the job description for possible alterations or modifications prior to hiring a new employee.

The Health District's annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30 outlines the following permits issued during the year and health-related statistics:

 New septic systems, 206;

 Repaired septic systems, 91;

 Well permits, 240;

 Soil tests, 329;

 Burning permits, 190;

 Septic pumping permits, 283;

 Food service licenses, including deli's, food stores and  restaurants, 70; and

 Temporary food events, 40.

Specimens submitted for laboratory analysis:

 Specimens submitted for rabies, 40;

 Number of specimens positive for rabies, 2;

 Specimens submitted for lyme disease, 215;

 Number of ticks positive for lyme disease spirochettes, 36;

 Number of confirmed cases of foodborne illness, 12; and

 Water samples, 85.

Community health report: Flu shots, 449; pneumonia vaccinations, 107; health promotion visits, 15; and cholesterol screening, 25.