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Posts tagged as “Boston Public Health Commission”

BPHC Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids 6 Months and Older

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) announced it is recommending that all Boston children and infants ages 6-months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19. The BPHC’s recommendation follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be used for children 6 months and older.

West Nile Virus Infected Mosquitos Found in Jamaica Plain

A mosquito pool in Jamaica Plain recently tested positive for West Nile Virus, reported the Boston Public Health Commission. While it is common to find West Nile Virus infected mosquitos around this time of year, and no human cases have been recorded, it is still important to remain vigilant to protect yourself.

Health Officials Raise West Nile Virus Risk to High After Season’s First Death

A technician at the State Lab in Jamaica Plain examines a mosquito for West Nile Virus in July 2000. Credit: Darren McCollester via GettyImages

A Suffolk County man became the first human to die of West Nile Virus in the state this year. The news prompted the health officials to raise the alert level for the rare — but sometimes deadly — disease from moderate to high.

Jamaica Pond Reopens after Blue-Green Algae Bloom

The Boston Public Heath Commission said in a statement that recreational activities, including fishing and boating, may resume at Jamaica Pond following last month’s detection of blue-green algae, which the Commission said was potentially fatal if ingested. The announcement comes after two consecutive weeks of testing showed algae concentration below the state-recommended limit of 70,000 cells/milliliter. However, residents looking for place to beat the summer heat with a cool evening swim can keep looking: Swimming has been banned in Jamaica Pond since 1975 because…

Dangerousness of Algae Bloom Takes Residents By Surprise

James Parker, 48, of Brookline, plays with his dog Sonny on the shore of Jamaica Pond, which official confirmed on Friday is contaminated with toxic blue-green algae.
James Parker, 48, of Brookline, plays with his dog Sonny on the shore of Jamaica Pond, which officials confirmed on Friday is contaminated with toxic blue-green algae.

The big neighborhood news this week has been Jamaica Pond falling into the grip of a toxic bloom of blue-green algae. Some residents, though aware the Pond is closed, say they didn’t realize the seriousness of the danger.

Though officials say the toxin is not known to be absorbed through the skin, the blue-green algae is potentially deadly when ingested.