Public Service Announcement

Mass Department of Public Health - Summer Safety Guide

BOSTON — With summer approaching, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents to take recommended common-sense precautions to keep everyone, especially young children, safe this summer.  Click here for information on ticks, mosquitos, rabies, water & pool safety, helmet safety, window safety, car safety and sun & heat protection.

Notice of Aerial Larval Control Application (Mosquitos) 7/10/25

Notice from Norfolk County Mosquito Control District - In accordance with 333 CMR 13.04(7) (a & b), please consider this as notification of aerial applications targeting mosquito larvae in the wetlands of Plainville and the District.

 The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District will be conducting helicopter applications of Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to control mosquito larvae, anytime between July 11, 2025, and July 16, 2025, should weather conditions warrant.  This is not a spray. Go to the Districts website for targeted wetland locations.   These potential applications will be conducted over specific large wetlands in the Town. To view the advisory, click here.

Bat Rabies Exposure - 6/5/25

On Monday, June 2, 2025, a Plainville resident had exposure to a bat in their home.  The bat made contact and did bite the resident.  The bat was captured by animal control and was humanely euthanized and sent to the Massachusetts State Lab for testing.   Unfortunately, the bat did test positive for Rabies.  Animal Control and the residents are working alongside the State Epidemiologist, and the resident has begun appropriate medical treatment.

Although encounters with bats are rare, Rabies is a serious and fatal disease.  Any possible contact with bats should be taken seriously. This includes a bite or scratch, waking up with a bat in the room or finding a bat in a room with a young child or mentally impaired person. Bat teeth are so small that a person may not realize they have been bitten, so bat exposures need to be carefully evaluated.

What should you do if you find a bat in your home?

• If the bat is found in a room with a sleeping person, an unattended young child, a mentally incapacitated person or a pet, the bat should be safely captured and tested for rabies.
• Call your local board of health of animal control for help in getting the bat tested for rabies.
• Call your healthcare provider, your local board of health or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to help you determine if you need to be treated for a rabies exposure

For further information please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at www.mass.gov/rabies

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Animal Control at 508-3894-2121, option 2

Notice of truck-based aerosol (spraying) for mosquitos - 5/20/25

“The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District will be conducting truck-based ultra-low volume (ULV) aerosol applications in the Town of Plainville on Monday evenings each week, from after Memorial Day through mid-September, except on official holidays. These applications are conducted based on resident requests to the District and based on our arbovirus surveillance for WNv and EEE and are not town-wide each week. These applications take place after sunset until midnight.  An interactive map is provided on the website that shows each afternoon the areas that are scheduled to be treated that evening.

Applications are not conducted when it is raining or when it is too cold at night. Please see the NCMCD website at norfolkcountymosquito.org for more information, to make an online request, or request exclusion from these applications. 

Measles Public Health Advisory - 3/10/25

One year ago, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) distributed a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory from CDC alerting healthcare providers to the global and domestic increase in measles cases and to provide recommendations about how to reduce the occurrence of new measles cases and outbreaks in the US. Late last week, CDC issued an updated HAN. This Clinical Advisory also provides an update and addresses some of the questions we have recently received from providers.  To view the advisory, click here.

As of December 31, 2024, there were 285 measles cases reported for 2024 by 33 jurisdictions including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York City and New York State. Cases were seen primarily in young people (42% of cases under five years of age – 31% age 5-19 years). Almost 90% of cases were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination history. 40% of cases were hospitalized for isolation or management of measles complications. Massachusetts had a single case in an adult with unknown vaccination history who had known close contact to a confirmed measles case during international travel.

Avian Influenza (HPAI)  -  UPDATE 1/31/25

Mansfield Health Department is investigating a flock of deceased waterfowl that was observed on the ice in the Norton Reservoir.  As of February 1st, the birds have not been collected for testing due to safety concerns.

1/28/25  - State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which very rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of over 60 deceased Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick.

• Reporting wild birds: The public should report observations of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds.
• Reporting domestic birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795.
• Handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals. Report sightings as indicated above or call the local Animal Control Officer.
• Keeping pets safe: Pets should always be kept away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife.
• Hunting geese: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize risk from wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.  

For additional information please visit the following websites:

• Mass Department of Public Health - Avian Flu
• Mass Department of Agricultural - Avian Flu

Health at Home

Home environmental health risks can create significant sources of illness or injury and can affect residents’ ability to safely enjoy their homes, whether they own or lease them. A spectrum of federal, state, and local agencies regulates and provides assistance for issues related to environmental health at home.

For information on lead, asbestos, solid waste, hazardous waste, odors, pests, mold & water damage, noise, drinking water, manufactured housing, sewage & septic systems and legal assistance please visit the Health at Home website here.

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