Category: Uncategorized

  • West Nile Virus

    July 21, 2025

    Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Easton

    The CT Mosquito Management Program has advised the Aspetuck Health District that a pool of mosquitoes has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Easton at the Sport Hill Road collection site.  While this is Easton’s first notification of the season, mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus have also been identified in Bridgeport and Stamford.  There have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in Connecticut so far this season. These events serve as a reminder for everyone to take steps to prevent mosquito bites at a time of the year when mosquitoes are abundant and active.

    To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoesresidents should:

    • Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

    • When it is necessary to be outdoors, use mosquito repellents containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. EPA registration of skin-applied repellent products indicates that they have been evaluated and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to instructions on the label. 

    • Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light-colored and loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.

    • Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes and ticks. 

    • Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.

    • When sleeping outdoors, use tents or mosquito netting in an unscreened structure. Treat camping gear with permethrin when possible.

    • Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito nets when outside.

    For more information on the latest testing results and locations visit: the CT Mosquito Management Program and the CT Agricultural Experiment Station

  • Recalls & Product Safety Warnings

    From household appliances to children’s toys, product recalls can impact items we use every day. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) monitors and announces recalls to protect the public from potential hazards like fire risks, electrical malfunctions, or choking dangers. To stay informed about the latest product recalls and safety alerts, visit the official CPSC Recalls page: Recalls & Product Safety – CPSC.

  • Food & Safety Recalls: U.S. Food & Drug Administration

    Staying informed about food and product recalls is an important part of protecting your health and the well-being of your family. From contaminated food items to mislabeled allergens, recalls happen regularly—and catching them early can make a big difference. To help you stay up to date, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a comprehensive list of the latest recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts. You can view the most recent updates here: FDA Food & Safety Recalls.

  • Measles Information

    Wondering whether you need the measles vaccine?

    Please read this to see if you have evidence of immunity. “Evidence of laboratory immunity” means that you have had your blood tested for a measles antibody titer.  If you think you need titers to check your immunity status or that you need the MMR vaccine, please contact your primary care provider’s office. Some pharmacies may also carry the vaccine. Aspetuck Health District does not carry the vaccine for adults currently.

    Connecticut Department of Public Health Urges Residents to Stay Up to Date on Measles Vaccination

    Traveling abroad and concerned about measles? Read more.

  • Radon Testing Kits Available

    Radon Test Kits Available for Easton, Westport and Weston Residents

    The Aspetuck Health District has free radon test kits for residents, while supplies last. Residents can pick up one radon test kit per address at the Aspetuck Health District, 180 Bayberry Lane, Westport, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Residents are asked to follow the instructions when conducting the radon test and to submit results to Air Chek Inc. Results will be shared with homeowners as well as the Health
    District.

    Radon is an invisible and odorless gas that can enter homes through cracks in the basement floor or from well water. Prolonged exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Only one in five homes has a radon problem. But the only way to know if your home is free of radon is to test it.

    Radon levels vary throughout Connecticut. Because you cannot see, taste, or smell radon, the only way to determine if you have a radon problem in your home is to test for it. Testing involves placing a small device in your home for at least 72 hours and then sending the device to a laboratory for results. If levels of radon are high (4 pCi/L or higher), the Connecticut DPH strongly recommends that homeowners enlist a radon mitigation professional to help lower the levels. However, radon exposure at any level poses some health risk, and according to the CT DPH, homeowners may want to consider reducing radon levels if they are greater than 2 pCi/L.

    Radon mitigation professionals are trained to reduce radon in homes using ventilation and depressurization systems and other techniques. As with many home repairs, the cost of radon mitigation varies. The CT DPH estimates that the service may cost $1200 to $1500. A list of radon professionals is available on the CT DPH website (http://www.ct.gov/dph/radon).

    Testing kits can also be purchased at the American Lung Association website at https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/radon or by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA or 1-860-289-5401 to order a testing kit. Radon test kits can also be purchased at local hardware stores.

    For more information about radon and radon testing, visit Radon | CDC.