Preliminary List of Top Baby Names in 2022
2022-12-30
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is sharing a preliminary list of the most popular baby names in Rhode Island in 2022.
Female
1. Charlotte
2. Amelia
3. Isabella
4. Olivia
5. Emma
6. Luna
7. Sophia
8. Ava
9. Isla
10. Scarlett and Violet (tie)
Male
1. Liam
2. Noah
3. Owen
4. Theodore
5. Oliver
6. Benjamin
7. Julian
8. Luca
9. Henry
10. Lucas
In 2021, the three most popular female names were Olivia, Sophia, and Amelia. The three most popular male names were Liam, Noah, and Julian.
RIDOH's Center for Vital Records finalizes the prior year's birth data by the end of February.
CDC Updates COVID-19 Community Levels for Rhode Island Counties
2022-12-30
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the weekly COVID-19 community levels for Rhode Island's counties. Three Rhode Island counties are designated as "medium" - Bristol County, Washington County, and Newport County. Two Rhode Island counties are designated as "high" - Providence County and Kent County. The relatively small increase in COVID-19 activity that Rhode Island is currently seeing is not expected to last long.
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus. Respiratory viruses (such as the flu) spread more readily when people gather, and when those gatherings are indoors. Local and national health officials anticipated an increase in respiratory virus activity, including COVID-19 activity, around the holidays.
CDC's COVID-19 recommendations
Regardless of the designation of someone's county, everyone should take certain prevention measures to stay healthy and safe.
• Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccination, including recommended booster doses.
• Ventilate indoor spaces as well as possible.
• Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• Follow recommendations for isolation if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• Follow the recommendations for what to do if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• If you are at high risk of getting very sick, talk with a healthcare provider about additional prevention actions.
Additionally, CDC recommends that people in "medium" counties consider self-testing and masking when around those who are at high risk for getting very sick. CDC recommends that people in "high" counties wear high-quality masks while in crowded, indoor public settings. (This is a recommendation, not a requirement.) The full recommendations by community level from the CDC are available online. (See link below.)
General measures to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses
COVID-19, the flu, and RSV are common examples of respiratory viruses.
• Get your flu shot. Everyone older than six months of age should be vaccinated every year. For information on where to get a flu shot, see http://health.ri.gov/flu.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Keep children home from daycare or school who have fever, especially with a cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medications that reduce fever.
• Contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider if you believe your child needs medical care. Your provider can offer advice on whether your child needs to be evaluated in person, tested for COVID or flu, and the best location (doctor's office, urgent care, emergency room) for care.
About COVID-19 community levels
Each week the CDC identifies the COVID-19 community level in every county in the country as "low," "medium," or "high" using case rates, data on hospital admissions, and percentage of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Lifting Advisories for Blue-Green Algae
2022-12-29
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the recreational advisories at Upper J.L. Curran Reservoir in in Cranston, Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence, Mashapaug Pond in Providence, and three lakes in Roger Williams Park (Pleasure, Cunliff, and Elm) in Providence. The recreational advisories were associated with high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. Three other water bodies in Roger Williams Park remain under advisories (Roosevelt, Polo, and Willow Lakes) due to continued visual evidence of blue-green algae.
Blue-green algae are generally less active as seasonal changes reduce light and temperature in the winter. However, the possibility of recurring blooms and/or toxins represent potential risks, even in iced-over conditions.
DEM monitoring has ended for the year. Regardless of season, the public is reminded to avoid contact with any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating scum. Blue-green algae blooms may look like green paint or thick pea soup.
For more information and a list of historical advisories, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen. Send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs if possible, to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Lifting Restrictions for Blue-green Algae in Upper and Lower Melville Ponds and Almy Pond
2022-12-14
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Lower Melville Pond and Upper Melville Pond (also known as Thurston Gray Pond) in Portsmouth and at Almy Pond in Newport. The advisories related to high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, and associated toxins.
Recent consecutive visual surveys by DEM at these sites found blue-green algae reduced to acceptable levels. The findings meet State guidelines to support lifting the advisory.
Blue-green algae are generally less active as seasonal changes reduce light and temperature in the winter. As the blue-green algae monitoring season ends due to this naturally reduced activity and less recreational contact with waters, RIDEM is conducting visual surveys to determine if blue-green algae has diminished at all lakes and ponds with active advisories. Melville Ponds and Almy Pond met the visual threshold this week to lift the advisories. Advisories remain in effect for waters in Roger Williams Park, Wenscott Reservoir, and J.L. Curran Reservoir due to continued visual evidence of blue-green algae.
Regardless of season, the public is reminded to avoid contact with any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating scum. Blue-green algae blooms may also look like green paint or thick pea soup.
For more information and a list of active and historical advisories, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen. Send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible, to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Byheart Recalls Five Batches of Infant Formula
2022-12-12
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Byheart is recalling five batches of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula due to the potential for cross-contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii.
The product being recalled is ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, Milk Based Powder with Iron for 0-12 Months in 24 oz containers (see image of label attached). The formula under recall was distributed directly to consumers and can be identified by the number on the bottom of the can. Recalled product batches are 22273 C1, 22276 C1, 22277 C1, 22278 C1, and 22280 C1 printed with use by 01 JAN 24 or 01JUL 24.
Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths, and abnormal movements. Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.
ByHeart owns its entire manufacturing supply chain with the exception of final canning, which is done by a third-party packager. ByHeart is taking this precautionary measure because one test sample collected from the third-party packaging facility tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii. All product packaged that day, and the first production on the next day, was isolated for destruction and not distributed. Out of an abundance of caution, this recall is happening for all product produced during the entire production run.
To date, Byheart has not received any consumer complaints that would indicate any illnesses. (Illness complaints are an early detection of safety concerns.)
Customers who purchased ByHeart product should check the bottom of the can and dispose of product from batches 22273 C1, 22276 C1, 22277 C1, 22278 C1, and 22280 C1. ByHeart is setting up a webpage at https://byheart.com/noticesExternal [byheart.com] Link Disclaimer with additional information about its measures. Should customers have any other questions or want to find out if the product they have is included in the voluntary recall, they should email notices@byheart.com or text ByHeart at 1-909-506-2354. The company will also be reaching out directly to all customers via email who purchased orders from these identified batches.
RIDOH Advising the Public of Unintended Information Release
2022-12-07
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising the public of a recent data breach of protected health information.
Between July 28, 2022, and October 20, 2022, a link to a spreadsheet was accidentally included in emails sent by RIDOH staff. The file contained information about people receiving food box deliveries while in COVID-19 isolation or quarantine. This file contained information for approximately 8,800 people. The people listed in this spreadsheet are being notified directly of this breach through postal mail. Anyone who was impacted by this breach will receive a letter from RIDOH by December 20.
To RIDOH's knowledge, this file was inadvertently emailed to 46 people, all of whom were on the list to receive food box services. RIDOH is not aware, at this time, of any security concerns related to this breach. No medical information or financial information was included in the breach. (The spreadsheet is considered protected health information because it indicated that people were in COVID-19 isolation or quarantine.) The information in the spreadsheet included:
• Date of contact by RIDOH.
• First, middle, and last name.
• Phone number.
• Street address, apt., city, and ZIP code.
• The person's specific needs, such as food, cleaning supplies, and personal protective equipment.
• Household information, such as the number of children and adults in the household.
• Delivery information, such as whether contact was made and the delivery date.
• Additional notes (for example, if a person required gluten-free food).
RIDOH began investigating this breach as soon as it was discovered. The investigation has included:
• Immediately conducting extensive email searches to determine how widely the link to the file had been shared;
• Immediately restricting access to the file; and
• Identifying additional steps to prevent unintended release of information in the future, including additional trainings for staff and enhanced security measures for the handling of sensitive information.
RIDOH formed a Support Team to respond to inquiries about this issue. To inquire if your information was included in this breach, you can contact RIDOH's Support Team on or after December 12, 2022, at 844-930-1780, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Lifting Restrictions for Blue-green Algae in Georgiaville Pond, Blackamore Pond, and Larkin Pond
2022-12-06
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield, Blackamore Pond in Cranston, and Larkin Pond in South Kingstown. The advisory related to high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, and associated toxins.
Recent consecutive surveys by DEM and sample analysis conducted by RIDOH's State Health Laboratories confirmed that blue-green algae has been at acceptably low levels and that cyanotoxins are not present in detectable concentrations at Georgiaville Pond. These findings meet state guidelines to support lifting the advisory.
Blue-green algae are generally less active as seasonal changes reduce light and temperature in the winter. As the blue-green algae monitoring season ends due to this naturally reduced activity and less recreational contact with waters, DEM is conducting visual surveys to determine if blue-green algae has diminished at all lakes/ponds with active advisories. Blackamore Pond and Larkin Pond met the visual threshold this week to lift the advisory. All other ponds with current advisories remain with visual evidence of blue-green algae.
Regardless of season, the public is reminded to avoid contact with any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating scum. Blue-green algae blooms may also look like green paint or thick pea soup.
For more information and a list of active and historical advisories, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen. Send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible, to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Exportadora Copramar Recalls Frozen Raspberries Due to Possible Contamination
2022-12-06
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Exportadora Copramar is recalling 1,260 cases of James Farm frozen raspberries because of a potential contamination with Hepatitis A.
The recalled frozen raspberries are packaged in 10-pound cartons and were sold at Restaurant Depot/Jetro locations in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. This recall is for the following product:
--James Farms Frozen Raspberries; two five-pound bags in each 10-pound carton;
--"Best if used by date" of June 14, 2024;
--"Product of Chile", UPC code 76069501010, lot code CO 22-165 The UPC code is on the top of the carton, and the lot code is on the bottom of the carton.
Consumers or food establishments who have purchased this recalled product should not eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store where you purchased them. To date, there have been no reported illnesses related to this product.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the Hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Illness generally occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine, and pale stool. Hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to a contaminated food. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre-existing severe illness or who have a weakened immune system, Hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure.
Anyone who may have eaten this recalled product should contact their healthcare provider to ask if a vaccination is appropriate. Anyone who has symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Make Health a Part of Your Thanksgiving
2022-11-23
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is encouraging all Rhode Islanders to make health a part of their holiday this Thanksgiving.
"Thanksgiving is a wonderful day to gather with friends and family, and to reflect on the blessings in our lives. This year, we're asking everyone to take a few additional steps to help themselves stay safe," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "With several respiratory viruses circulating in Rhode Island - including flu, RSV, and COVID-19 - this is particularly important. A few basic prevention measures can go a long way in helping you and your family have a healthier holiday."
Prevent the spread of respiratory viruses
• Stay home if you are sick. Do not host others if you are sick.
• Wash your hands with soap and water regularly.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Consider getting tested for COVID-19 if you plan to visit someone who is at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Information about testing is available at covid.ri.gov.
• Get your flu shot. Everyone older than six months of age should be vaccinated every year. For information on where to get a flu shot, see http://health.ri.gov/flu.
• Be up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. For many people, that means getting a booster. For information on how to get vaccinated against COVID-19, see C19vaccineRI.org [c19vaccineri.org].?
Food safety
• Wash your hands before and after preparing or eating food. This is especially important if you have been handling raw meat.
• Thoroughly wash counters, cutting boards, and utensils with warm, soapy water after they touch raw turkey. Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey and other raw meats if possible.
• Washing your turkey before cooking is not recommended. Poultry juices can spread in the kitchen and contaminate other foods, utensils, and countertops.
• Raw poultry can contaminate anything it touches with harmful bacteria. Follow the four steps to food safety-clean, separate, cook, and chill-to prevent the spread of bacteria to your food, family, and friends.
• Thaw your turkey safely. Thaw turkey in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water (change the water every 30 minutes), or in the microwave. Avoid thawing foods on the counter. A turkey must thaw at a safe temperature to prevent harmful germs from growing rapidly.
• Cook raw turkey thoroughly to kill harmful germs. Turkey breasts, whole turkeys, and ground poultry, including turkey burgers, casseroles, and sausage, should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165F to kill harmful germs.
• Debone the turkey as soon as possible and refrigerate leftovers at 40F or colder as soon as possible and within two hours of preparation. Slice or divide big cuts of meat, such as a roast turkey, into small quantities for refrigeration so they can cool quickly. Reheat all leftovers to at least 165F before serving.
• Cooking stuffing separately from the turkey in a casserole dish makes it easy to be sure it is thoroughly cooked. If you cook stuffing in the turkey, put the stuffing in the turkey just before cooking. With either cooking method, use a food thermometer to make sure the stuffing's center reaches 165F. Learn more about how to prepare stuffing safely.
• If you plan to bake, do not eat raw dough or batter, and use pasteurized eggs in dishes that call for raw eggs.
Additional health tips
• If you are going to be drinking, consume alcohol in moderation.
• If you are going to be drinking and traveling, make sure that you have a designated driver.
• Put down your phones, get away from the television, and do something interactive with family and friends. Good examples are playing a board game, playing cards, or taking a walk.
RIDOH Issues Reminder About Proper Use of Antibiotics
2022-11-22
As a part of on-going efforts to prevent the proliferation of antibiotic resistant bacteria, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding Rhode Islanders about the importance of using antibiotics properly. People should only use antibiotics when it is necessary, and antibiotics should be used exactly as they are prescribed.
Antibiotics save lives, but any time antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and can lead to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is one of the most urgent public health threats in the U.S. today. Antibiotic resistance does not mean the body is becoming resistant to antibiotics; it means bacteria develop the ability to defeat the antibiotics designed to kill them. When bacteria become resistant, antibiotics cannot fight them, and the bacteria multiply. Some resistant bacteria can be hard or impossible to treat and can spread to other people.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result.
"When someone takes the time out of their day to go to the doctor, they want to walk out with a prescription that is going to make them feel better. But antibiotics are not always the answer," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "In fact, they can sometimes make things even worse. By taking antibiotics when not appropriate, people put themselves at risk for serious side effects while also undermining our ability to use antibiotics as a life-saving tool for future generations."
Public health officials throughout the country and worldwide are taking similar measures to educate the public this week, during Antibiotic Awareness Week November 18-24.
CDC and RIDOH encourage patients and families to:
• Get the facts about antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause COVID-19, RSV, colds, flu, bronchitis, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green.
• Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about alternatives to antibiotics.
• While your body fights off a virus, pain relievers, fever reducers, saline nasal spray or drops, warm compresses, liquids, and rest can help you feel better.
• If you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about your antibiotics.
• Do your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy by washing hands, covering coughs, staying home when sick, and getting recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.
• Do not share prescription medications.
In addition to these action steps, talk with your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects from an antibiotic. Common side effects of antibiotics can include rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or yeast infections. It particularly important to talk to a healthcare provider if you experience severe diarrhea after taking an antibiotic. Severe diarrhea could be an indication of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile or C. diff) infection, which needs to be treated. November is also C. Diff Awareness Month.
In addition to the impact on patient health, C. diff rates have a financial impact on hospitals under Medicare's Healthcare-Acquired Condition (HAC) Reduction and Value-Based Purchasing Programs. To help reduce these healthcare-acquired infections, RIDOH's Antimicrobial Stewardship and Environmental Cleaning Task Force has developed the CDI Playbook for Rhode Island healthcare providers and facilities.
More information and videos can be found at https://health.ri.gov/antibiotics and cdc.gov/antibiotic-use [cdc.gov].
Health Advisory for Deli Meats and Cheeses
2022-11-18
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising people who are at higher risk for severe illness from Listeria to not eat meat or cheese from any deli counter unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165F or until steaming hot.
People are considered higher risk for severe Listeria illness if they are pregnant, are 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments.
National health officials are investigation an outbreak of Listeria linked to deli meat and cheese. To date, 16 illnesses, 13 hospitalizations, and one fatality have been associated with this outbreak. Although no cases have been identified in Rhode Island, cases have been identified in Massachusetts and New York.
Listeria can cause severe illness (known as invasive listeriosis) when the bacteria spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body. Symptoms of severe illness usually start within two weeks of eating food contaminated with Listeria but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after.
Deli meats (cold cuts, lunch meats, hot dogs, and pates sold at the deli) and cheeses are known sources of Listeria illness. This is because Listeria can easily spread among food on deli countertops, deli slicers, surfaces, and hands. Listeria is a hardy germ that can be difficult to fully remove once it is in the deli. It can survive and grow at cold temperatures in the refrigerator.
What People at Higher Risk Should Do
People who are pregnant, are 65 or older, or who have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments are at higher risk for severe Listeria illness. These individuals should take the following steps:
• Avoid meat or cheese from any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165F or until steaming hot. Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator, but it is easily killed by heating food to a high enough temperature.
• Clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched deli meat or cheese from the deli.
• Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of severe Listeria illness after eating meat or cheese from a deli. Symptoms can include fever, muscle ache, fatigue, headache, and stiff neck.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information online about how the signs and symptoms of Listeria infection vary depending on the person infected (https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/symptoms.html [cdc.gov]).
What Businesses Should Do
• Follow USDA-FSIS best practices for controlling Listeria contamination in deli areas (https://www.fsis.usda.gov/guidelines/2015-0014 [fsis.usda.gov]).
Hospital and State Leaders Call on Rhode Islanders to Seek Medical Care in the Right Place
2022-11-17
With several respiratory viruses currently circulating in Rhode Island and with the holidays coming, State health officials and hospital leaders gathered today to again urge the public to only go to emergency departments for issues that require emergency care. Hospital emergency departments in Rhode Island are experiencing significant crowding and prolonged waiting times.
At a press event, leaders reminded Rhode Islanders that many health issues can be treated quickly and effectively by a primary care provider, in an urgent care facility, or at a health center. This includes less severe cases of the flu, back pain, minor cuts, sore throats, low-grade fevers, and most cases of norovirus (the "stomach flu"). Although many outpatient settings are also currently seeing a very significant number of patients, seeking care for less serious health issues in non-hospital settings will help ensure that emergency care is available to people who truly need it.
State leaders also announced at the press event that a new, temporary health regulation will allow emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to work under the supervision of an on-site healthcare provider in a hospital or other licensed healthcare facility in Rhode Island. This regulation is in response to the staffing shortage in emergency departments, which is contributing to the overcrowding challenges at facilities. Additional measures being taken at the State level to respond to the emergency department overcrowding issue are outlined below.
"Similar to last fall and winter, we are seeing longer waits at local emergency rooms. While COVID-19 and influenza are circulating again, there are also additional challenges at hospitals throughout the country this year due to RSV, behavioral health needs, and healthcare worker shortages," said Ana Novais, Acting Secretary of the Executive Office of Health & Human Services. "There are several steps the state is taking, in partnership with our local hospitals and providers, to ease the strain on our healthcare system but these issues are complex and require all of us to seek care in the most appropriate setting."
Rhode Island and states throughout the region are currently seeing high rates of RSV, a common virus that can be serious for some higher risk children and adults. Cases of RSV usually peak in Rhode Island in early January. Flu is starting to circulate in Rhode Island as well, and hospitals are still treating patients with COVID-19. The ongoing behavioral health crisis and the national healthcare workers shortage are creating additional challenges for the hospitals in Rhode Island, in addition to the circulation of these respiratory viruses.
"Emergency departments are perfect for?emergency situations. If someone is experiencing a serious health issue, they should absolutely call 911 or go to an emergency department right away. However, emergency departments treat patients with the most serious health issues first, which means that people with less severe conditions will experience long waits," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "Some simple prevention measures can help you stay healthy. Regular hand washing and staying home from school or work when sick are two other steps that everyone should be taking, especially kids and people who are in regular contact with school-age children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions."
At the press event, State leaders highlighted http://health.ri.gov/rightplace. This page has links to lists of primary care providers, urgent care centers, and health centers in Rhode Island, and guidance on when and when not to go to the emergency department. RIDOH will continue directing Rhode Islanders to this page and other resources through a statewide communications campaign, to be launched in the coming weeks.
"These past months we have experienced a steady increase in young patients needing hospitalization due largely to the early peak of the respiratory viral season. This, combined with a national staffing shortage during an ongoing severe children's behavioral health crisis, has created an unprecedented 'perfect storm' for children's hospitals nationwide. We are doing our best to creatively use our resources and expand where we can to serve the region's most vulnerable children and support our community providers where most pediatric health care is delivered. For those patients using the ED, please understand there have been long wait times for non-urgent conditions and we know this can be frustrating. We ask for patience as limited staff triage the most critical patients while we devise alternative ways to improve emergency care access. Our valued staff are working tirelessly to provide the best care possible and ensure all patients receive the treatment they need," said Frank Overly, MD, medical director, Hasbro Children's Hospital emergency department.
"Emergency Department overcrowding is a serious threat to patients and staff and has intensified through the pandemic," said Laura Forman, MD, Chief of Emergency Medicine, Kent Hospital. "Hospital staff across the state are working to ensure that all patients have access to timely care during this crisis."
"The increase in the number of patients with respiratory illness is pushing our hospitals to capacity and in some instances over capacity. It is incredibly important for the public to have the information they need to protect their loved ones; protect those around them; and know where, when, and how to get the best care possible," says Teresa Paiva Weed, President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.
When to seek emergency care
If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
• Choking
• Stopped breathing or turning blue
• Head injury with passing out, throwing up, or not behaving normally
• Injury to neck or spine
• Seizure that lasted 3 to 5 minutes
• Bleeding that cannot be stopped
• Severe allergic reaction
• New weakness in an arm, leg, or face
• New difficulty speaking or confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Suddenly not able to speak, see, walk, or move
This is not a complete list of health issues that require emergency medical attention. For more information, see https://health.ri.gov/rightplace.
Measures being taken at the State level
An interagency team across the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is working toward the development and implementation of strategies to address the challenges hospitals are facing. They include:
• Promulgating an emergency regulation allowing emergency medical services (EMS) professionals to work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
• Launching a broad public education campaign on seeking the right care in the right setting. Messaging is happening through social media, traditional media, schools, and other channels.
• Messaging to the primary care provider community about measures that can be taken in that setting to lessen emergency department overcrowding. Examples include making more same-day sick appointments available for patients and offering expanded and/or non-traditional office hours; and seeing patients who have non-urgent symptoms in the office or by telemedicine, instead of referring them to the emergency department.
• Expediting the licensure process to ensure that all new healthcare workers are able to join the workforce in Rhode Island as quickly as possible.
• DCYF is focusing on expediting discharges from Hasbro and Bradley Hospital, especially for children who can go home if supportive services can be made available.
• Daily, weekday meetings with BHDDH and all hospitals, BH Link and three Community Mental Health Centers with stabilization units to identify openings to place clients.
• Throughout this year, we are building the infrastructure for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which we expect to come online in FY24.
• RIDOH's PediPRN Program is available to pediatric providers to help diagnose, assess, and manage mild to moderate behavioral health issues in children
• Sharing a Family Behavioral Health Crisis Plan that is available multiple languages, to help all families plan for behavioral health emergencies.
• Launching Mobile Response Stabilization Services, which is a mobile crisis service that can help prevent youth from having to go to or stay at the Emergency Department.
Steps people should take to help stay healthy and out of the hospital
Non-behavioral health
• Get your flu shot. Everyone older than six months of age should be vaccinated every year. For information on where to get a flu shot, see http://health.ri.gov/flu.
• Be up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. For many people, that means getting a booster. For information on how to get vaccinated against COVID-19, see C19vaccineRI.org [c19vaccineri.org].
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are at high risk for getting sick should wear masks when COVID-19 levels are "medium," and everyone should consider wearing masks in crowded indoor settings when COVID-19 levels are "high."
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Keep children home from daycare or school who have fever, especially with a cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medications that reduce fever.
• Contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider if you believe your child needs medical care. Your provider can offer advice on whether your child needs to be evaluated in person, tested for COVID or flu, and the best location (doctor's office, urgent care, emergency room) for care.
Behavioral health
• If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is experiencing a non-life-threatening mental health or substance use crisis, call 988.
• Contact Kids' Link RI if it is needed. Kids' Link RI is a behavioral health triage service and referral network. A program offered in collaboration with Gateway Healthcare, Lifespan, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Bradley Hospital, Kids' Link RI is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help triage children and youth in need of mental health services and refer them to treatment providers. To contact Kids' Link RI, call 1-855-543-5465.
• Contact BH Link if it is needed. BH Link's mission is to ensure all Rhode Islanders, 18 and over, experiencing mental health and substance use crises receive the appropriate services they need as quickly as possible in an environment that supports their recovery. To contact BH Link, call 401-414-LINK (5465)
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Lifting Restrictions for Blue-green Algae in Slack Reservoir and Stafford Pond
2022-11-16
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Slack Reservoir in Smithfield/Johnston and at Stafford Pond in Tiverton. The advisories related to high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, and associated toxins.
Recent consecutive surveys by DEM and sample analysis conducted by RIDOH's State Health Laboratories confirmed that blue-green algae has been at acceptably low levels and that cyanotoxins are not present in detectable concentrations. These findings meet State guidelines to support lifting the advisory.
Blue-green algae conditions can change quickly, and it is possible that blooms may affect these waters again, as well as other waterbodies in Rhode Island. The public should avoid contact with any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating algal mat on the water's surface. Blue-green algae blooms may look like green paint or thick pea soup. Toxins may persist in the water after a blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
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Rhode Islanders Reminded About Respiratory Virus Prevention Measures (ingles y espanol)
2022-11-03
With Rhode Island and states throughout the region currently seeing the circulation of several respiratory viruses, including RSV, flu, and COVID-19, all Rhode Islanders are reminded to take basic prevention measures to help themselves and their family members stay healthy and safe.
"While RSV is a common virus that we see every year in Rhode Island, we are seeing cases earlier than usual, and we are seeing more virus circulating in the community," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "The good news is that many of the prevention measures that help prevent the spread of the flu and COVID-19 also help prevent the spread of RSV. Regular hand washing and staying home from school or work when sick are two steps that everyone should be taking, especially kids and people who are in regular contact with school-age children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions."
All Rhode Islanders should:
• Get your flu shot. Everyone older than six months of age should be vaccinated every year. For information on where to get a flu shot, see http://health.ri.gov/flu.
• Be up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. For many people, that means getting a booster. For information on how to get vaccinated against COVID-19, see C19vaccineRI.org.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Keep children home from daycare or school who have fever, especially with a cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medications that reduce fever.
• Contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider if you believe your child needs medical care. Your provider can offer advice on whether your child needs to be evaluated in person, tested for COVID or flu, and the best location (doctor's office, urgent care, emergency room) for care.
RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in one to two weeks. However, some infants and young children are at higher risk, such as premature infants, children younger than two years old with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease, children with weakened immune systems, and children who have neuromuscular disorders. Additionally, some adults are at higher risk, including people older than 65, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, and adults with weakened immune systems.
The current increase in RSV cases may be due to lower levels of immunity in the community, resulting from the prevention measures that were taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as social distancing. Lower levels of immunity in the community may also result in a more severe flu season.
Cases of RSV usually peak in Rhode Island in early January. RSV cases are currently at roughly double what is seen during a typical January peak. The flu is starting to circulate in Rhode Island as well. The flu typically circulates in Rhode Island through the spring. Although rates of COVID-19 are lower than they have been previously, more than 100 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 and with people increasingly spending time indoors, health officials across the country are expecting case increases in the coming weeks and months.
In addition to the prevention messages listed above, Rhode Islanders should know about the right places to seek care. Hospital emergency departments in Rhode Island are currently very crowded. Children and adults in emergency departments with less serious health issues are experiencing long wait times. People who do not need emergency medical care should not go to the emergency department. Long waits in the emergency department are frustrating, and they expose people to new sicknesses.
Many health issues can be treated more quickly and effectively by a primary care provider, in an urgent care facility, or in a health center. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has lists of primary care providers, urgent care centers, and health centers posted at http://health.ri.gov/rightplace. The health issues best treated in these settings include back pain, sprains, minor cuts, colds, sore throat, low-grade fevers, and most cases of norovirus (sometimes called "the stomach flu").
Some health issues need emergency medical care (either by calling 911 or going to the emergency department). Examples include trouble breathing; persistent chest pain; new difficulty speaking or confusion; inability to wake or stay awake; heavy bleeding; deep wounds; serious burns; possible broken bones (especially if the bone is pushing through the skin); and severe allergic reactions.
This is not a complete list of health issues that require emergency medical care. For more information, see http://health.ri.gov/rightplace.
Recordatorio para los habitantes de Rhode Island acerca de las medidas para prevenir los virus respiratorios
Dado que Rhode Island y los estados de toda la región actualmente están experimentando la circulación de varios virus respiratorios, incluidos RSV, flu y COVID-19, se recuerda a todos los habitantes de Rhode Island que tomen medidas básicas de prevención para mantenerse y mantener a sus familiares saludables y seguros.
"Si bien el RSV es un virus común que vemos todos los años en Rhode Island, estamos viendo casos antes de lo habitual y estamos viendo más virus circulando en la comunidad", dijo la directora interina del Departamento de Salud, la doctora Utpala Bandy. "La buena noticia es que muchas de las medidas que ayudan a prevenir la propagación del flu y el COVID-19 también ayudan a prevenir la propagación del RSV. Lavarse las manos regularmente y no ir a la escuela o al trabajo cuando están enfermos son dos pasos que todos deberían seguir, especialmente los niños y las personas que están en contacto regular con niños en edad escolar, adultos mayores y personas con problemas de salud subyacentes".
Todos los habitantes de Rhode Island deben:
• Vacunarse contra el flu. Todas las personas mayores de seis meses de edad deben vacunarse todos los años. Para obtener información sobre dónde vacunarse contra la gripe, consulte http://health.ri.gov/flu.
• Estar al día con sus vacunas contra el COVID-19. Para muchas personas, eso significa recibir un refuerzo. Para obtener información sobre cómo vacunarse contra el COVID-19, consulte C19vaccineRI.org.
• Toser o estornudar en la parte interior del codo.
• Lávarse las manos frecuentemente con agua y jabón.
• Limpiar y desinfectar las superficies que se tocan con frecuencia en el hogar, el trabajo y la escuela.
• Quédarse en casa si está enfermo.
• Mantener en casa a los niños (no los lleve a la guardería o la escuela) si tienen fiebre, especialmente con tos, dificultad para respirar o falta de aire, congestión, secreción nasal o dolor de garganta, hasta que estén sin de fiebre durante 24 horas sin medicamentos para bajarla.
• Comunicarse con su pediatra o proveedor de atención médica si cree que su hijo necesita atención médica. Su proveedor puede ofrecer consejos sobre si su hijo necesita ser evaluado en persona, hacerse una prueba de COVID o del flu, y la mejor ubicación para recibir atención (consultorio médico, atención de urgencia, sala de emergencias).
El RSV por lo general causa síntomas leves parecidos a los de un resfriado. La mayoría de las personas se recuperan en una o dos semanas. Sin embargo, algunos bebés y niños pequeños corren un mayor riesgo, tales como los bebés prematuros, los niños menores de dos años con enfermedad pulmonar crónica o enfermedad cardíaca congénita (presente desde el nacimiento), los niños con sistemas inmunes débiles y los niños con trastornos neuromusculares. Además, algunos adultos corren un mayor riesgo, incluidas las personas mayores de 65 años, los adultos con enfermedades cardíacas o pulmonares crónicas y los adultos con sistemas inmunes débiles.
El aumento actual de casos de RSV puede deberse a niveles más bajos de inmunidad en la comunidad, como resultado de las medidas de prevención que se tomaron durante la pandemia de COVID-19, tales como el distanciamiento social. Los niveles más bajos de inmunidad en la comunidad también pueden resultar en una temporada de flu más severa.
Los casos de RSV generalmente alcanzan su punto máximo en Rhode Island a principios de enero. Los casos de RSV actualmente son aproximadamente el doble de lo que se observa durante un pico típico de enero. El flu también está comenzando a circular en Rhode Island. El flu normalmente circula en Rhode Island hasta la primavera. Aunque las tasas de COVID-19 son más bajas que antes, más de 100 personas están actualmente hospitalizadas con COVID-19. Los funcionarios de salud de todo el país esperan aumentos de casos en las próximas semanas y meses debido a que las personas cada vez incrementan más el tiempo que pasan en recintos cerrados.
Además de los mensajes de prevención enumerados anteriormente, los habitantes de Rhode Island deben conocer los lugares adecuados para buscar atención. Las salas de emergencia de los hospitales en Rhode Island están actualmente muy concurridas. Los niños y adultos en las salas de emergencia con problemas de salud menos graves experimentan largos tiempos de espera. Las personas que no necesitan atención médica de emergencia no deben acudir a las salas de emergencia. Las largas esperas en las salas de emergencias son frustrantes y exponen a las personas a nuevas enfermedades.
Muchos problemas de salud pueden ser tratados con mayor rapidez y eficacia por un proveedor de atención primaria, en un centro de atención de urgencia o en un centro de salud. El Departamento de Salud de Rhode Island (RIDOH) tiene publicadas en http://health.ri.gov/rightplace, listas de proveedores de atención primaria, centros de atención de urgencia y centros de salud. Los problemas de salud que se tratan mejor en estos entornos incluyen dolor de espalda, esguinces, cortes menores, resfriados, dolor de garganta, fiebre y la mayoría de los casos de norovirus (a veces llamado "virus estomacal").
Algunos problemas de salud necesitan atención médica de emergencia (ya sea llamando al 911 o yendo al departamento de emergencias). Los ejemplos incluyen dificultad para respirar; dolor de pecho persistente; nueva dificultad para hablar o confusión; incapacidad para despertar o permanecer despierto; sangrado abundante; heridas profundas; quemaduras graves; posibles huesos rotos (especialmente si el hueso está atravesando la piel); y reacciones alérgicas graves.
Esta no es una lista completa de problemas de salud que requieren atención médica de emergencia. Para obtener más información, consulte http://health.ri.gov/rightplace.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Lifting Restrictions for Blue-green Algae in Flat River Reservoir
2022-10-31
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Flat River Reservoir (also known as Johnson's Pond) in Coventry. The advisory related to high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, and associated toxins.
Recent consecutive surveys by DEM and sample analysis conducted by RIDOH's State Health Laboratories confirmed that blue-green algae has been at acceptably low levels and that cyanotoxins are not present in detectable concentrations. These findings meet state guidelines to support lifting the advisory.
Blue-green algae conditions can change quickly, and it is possible that blooms may affect Johnson's Pond again, as well as other waterbodies in Rhode Island. The public should avoid contact with any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating algal mat on the water's surface. Blue-green algae blooms may look like green paint or thick pea soup. Toxins may persist in the water after a blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Health Officials Kick Off Flu Vaccination Campaign
2022-10-20
Leaders from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Providence Community Health Centers (PCHC) gathered today at PCHC's Chafee Health Center to officially kick off Rhode Island's 2022-2023 flu vaccination campaign.
"Rhode Island is a national leader for COVID-19 vaccination. Now it's time for us to be national leaders with our flu vaccination rate," said Governor McKee. "Getting a flu shot is your best protection against serious illness from the flu, and it's also the best way to protect the people you love. If you're like me and plan to get together with family and friends for the holidays over the coming weeks and months, the time to get vaccinated is now."
The attendees at the event included Merrill Thomas, Chief Executive Officer for PCHC; Dr. Andrew Saal, Chief Medical Officer for PCHC; and Dr. Philip Chan, a Consultant Medical Director for RIDOH's Division of Preparedness, Response, Infectious Disease and Emergency Medical Services.
"Even if you are healthy, you can still spread the flu to someone older or with a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes," says Dr. Andrew Saal, Chief Medical Officer of the Providence Community Health Centers. "Flu vaccines are one of the easiest things we can do to interrupt the spread of the virus in our community. Take five minutes today to help protect your mom, your dad, your family, and everyone in our community."
"It's important to get your flu shot every year," said Acting EOHHS Secretary Ana Novais. "Local pharmacies, health centers, and primary care providers have plenty of vaccine on site. We are grateful for our partnerships in the community, including those with community-based providers, work-site clinics, and schools as we work to protect all Rhode Islanders. Vaccinations are an important part of disease prevention - please join us in protecting your family and loved ones, and get your flu shot scheduled today."
"For the past two flu seasons, our flu rates have been at historic lows because of masking, social distancing, and other measures related to COVID-19. As things get back to normal, we could see a severe flu season," said Dr. Chan. "This makes it that much more important to get your flu shot and to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You can get your flu shot and your COVID-19 booster at the same time. Both the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine help decrease the severity and duration of illness if you do get sick, and they help keep you out of the hospital."
The flu is a serious virus. During typical flu seasons prior to COVID-19, the flu would result in more than 1,000 hospitalizations and many fatalities. For example, during the 2018-2019 flu season, the flu resulted in 1,032 hospitalizations and there were 39 flu-associated deaths.
RIDOH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend flu shots for everyone older than six months of age. Flu shots are especially important for certain people, including:
• Anyone 50 and older (CDC recommends the use of specific flu vaccines for adults 65 years and older, including higher dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines),
• Healthcare workers,
• Anyone who lives in a long-term care facility,
• Children younger than 5 years of age,
• People who are pregnant, and
• People with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and asthma.
There are many places in Rhode Island where flu shots are available at no out-of-pocket cost and are available to people without health insurance. Those locations include clinics at schools that are open to all Rhode Islanders, some pharmacies, and other vaccination venues that RIDOH partners with. Additionally, vaccine is available in the offices of many primary care providers and at community clinics, such as worksite clinics.
After getting a flu shot, some people may experience a slight ache at the injection site or a low-grade fever. That means the vaccine is working-your body is learning to fight the virus. These mild symptoms are much less significant than the actual flu, which causes most people to stay in bed for a week. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot.
In addition to flu vaccination, RIDOH and CDC also recommend that Rhode Islanders stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine. Newer COVID-19 boosters are bivalent, meaning that they help protect against two strains of COVID-19, the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron variant, which is causing most current cases. Everyone five or older who has received a primary series of COVID-19 vaccine should get a bivalent booster at least two months after their last dose. This recommendation applies no matter how many boosters a person has already received. For example, if a person received their primary series and two booster doses, they should still get a bivalent booster at least two months after their last booster dose.
In addition to getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19, Rhode Islanders can take other steps to stay healthy and safe over the coming months.
• Wash your hands often during the day. Use warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow to prevent other people from getting sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant.
Additional resources:
• List of vaccination clinics and general information about the flu: http://health.ri.gov/flu
• Information about the flu in Spanish: http://health.ri.gov/gripe
• People with additional questions, including questions about where to get vaccinated if you do not have insurance, can call the Health Information Line at 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact and Water Recreation with a Section of Stafford Pond
2022-10-18
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact Stafford Pond in Tiverton in the vicinity of the boat ramp located off Stafford Pond Road (aka Route 81) due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. The RIDOH State Laboratory detected high concentrations of cyanobacteria cells in the water collected by DEM at the boat ramp.
People should be careful not to ingest untreated water or eat fish from the pond. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Stafford Pond is a drinking water source maintained by the Stonebridge Fire District. Even when a cyanobacteria bloom is present in a pond, the treated water that Stonebridge Fire District distributes to homes is safe. Stonebridge Fire District follows all state and federal drinking water testing and monitoring requirement to assure that treatment processes are working correctly and the water is safe to drink, including state regulations required for cyanobacteria. Drinking untreated water from any pond at any time is not recommended.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
RIDOH, Community Partners, Businesses Organizing Additional Monkeypox Clinics
2022-10-17
In an effort to expand access to monkeypox vaccine to all eligible Rhode Islanders, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is partnering with community organizations and businesses to offer vaccination clinics for hospitality workers and others who may not have been able to attend previously scheduled clinics.
As has been the case at the previous 33 monkeypox virus (MPV) vaccination clinics organized by RIDOH, vaccine will be free of charge. People do not need health insurance to be vaccinated.
"While the risk of monkeypox for most Rhode Islanders continues to be low, we are doing everything we can to ensure that people who are eligible to be vaccinated can access vaccine," said Governor Dan McKee. "We have worked diligently to secure a significant amount of vaccine from our federal partners and will continue to monitor demand and bring more vaccine into Rhode Island if needed."
"Access to vaccine for all eligible Rhode Islanders is a priority in our response to the monkeypox outbreak," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "Unlike several months ago, we now have an ample supply of vaccine. People who are eligible are urged to get vaccinated. Vaccine is one of our most effective tools of prevention."
New clinics scheduled
These clinics in downtown Providence are being held on weekdays to best accommodate the schedules of many people, including hospitality industry staff (such as restaurant, bar, and hotel workers), who often work on weekends. However, these clinics are open to anyone who is eligible to be vaccinated (see eligibility criteria below). These clinics are being promoted in partnership with the Rhode Island Hospitality Association.
The Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset Street, Providence
Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Dark Lady, 19 Snow Street, Providence
Monday, Oct. 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Registration information: https://health.ri.gov/monkeypox
Beyond these two new clinics, RIDOH has organized additional MPV vaccination clinics.
Johnson and Wales University, 305 Shipyard Street, Providence
Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston
Thursday, Oct. 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
CCRI Warwick, 400 East Ave., Warwick
Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
AAA Offices, 70 Royal Little Drive, Providence
Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Registration information: https://health.ri.gov/monkeypox
Additional vaccination opportunities
There are currently several other vaccination clinics scheduled through the month of November where people can receive first or second doses. A full list of clinics scheduled for the next 30 days is available online at https://bit.ly/MPVvaccine [bit.ly]. In addition to these clinics, some healthcare facilities in Rhode Island are vaccinating patients against MPV. Those health centers are Open Door Health, the Miriam Hospital Infectious Disease Clinic, Tri-County Health Center, and Thundermist Health Center. RIDOH is coordinating with some Rhode Island-based independent pharmacies to make the vaccine available in their locations in the coming weeks.
In addition to those health centers, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and RIDOH are grateful for the partnership of many organizations, colleges and universities, and businesses statewide in supporting MPV vaccination clinics, including: Rhode Island College, Providence Public Schools, Providence Emergency Management Agency, Community College of Rhode Island, the Mega-Plex, AIDS Care Ocean State, AIDS Project RI, Project Weber/RENEW, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, the Town of South Kingstown, Providence Gay Flag Football League, Johnson & Wales University, AAA Northeast, the Eagle's Nest, Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, The Beneficent Church, The Dark Lady, and the Rhode Island Hospitality Association.
Eligibility for MPV vaccine
Rhode Island is vaccinating people who meet any of the following criteria:
• People who are identified through a case investigation as close contacts of an individual with a known case of MPV
• People who are age 18 or older AND are:
Any gay, bi, queer, or other man who has sex with men (or with people assigned male at birth) OR
Any person who has sex with a partner who is gay, bisexual, or a man who has sex with men (or with people assigned male at birth) OR
People of any gender who are commercial sex workers OR
People who work in or have sex in group or public sex venues OR
People who are currently on PrEP to prevent HIV* OR
Healthcare workers who are caring for individuals with confirmed or suspected MPV or are testing or vaccinating people who are at risk for MPV OR
Laboratory workers who handle MPV specimens
*PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.
About MPV vaccine
In Rhode Island, like other states, the JYNNEOS MPV vaccine is being administered. This is a two-dose series, with the second dose coming roughly 28 days after the first dose. You are considered fully vaccinated and protected 14 days after your second dose.
Unvaccinated people were 14 times more likely to get infected with the MPV compared with those who had one dose of the MPV vaccine, according to data from 32 states, including Rhode Island, released recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Two-doses are recommended for full protection.
General information about MPV
The U.S. and the world are currently responding to an outbreak of MPV. Rhode Island has identified 79 cases and more than 26,000 cases have been identified nationally. MPV is a virus that can be serious. It spreads through close physical contact with body fluids, MPV lesions, items that have been contaminated with fluids or lesion materials (clothing, bedding, etc.), or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact.
An individual becomes contagious when symptoms first appear. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
Nationally, many gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with other men have been diagnosed with MPV, especially those who have reported multiple or anonymous sexual partners. However, people of any sexual orientation or gender identity can become infected with MPV.
MPV prevention
In addition to getting vaccinated, people can take other prevention measures. Before having close, physical contact with others, talk to your partners about their health and any recent rashes or sores. Additionally, if you have symptoms, particularly a rash consistent with MPV (even if you do not think you were in contact with anyone with MPV), or if you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with MPV:
• Stay home and isolate from household members
• Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible for an evaluation
• Avoid skin-to-skin, or close contact with others, including sexual contact
• Inform sex partners about any symptoms you are experiencing
• Cover the rash with clean, dry, loose-fitting clothing
• If contacted by public health officials, answer their questions to help protect others who may have been exposed
For more information about MPV, please visit https://health.ri.gov/monkeypox. People can also call 401-222-5960.
Do Not Drink Notice Issued for Confreda Greenhouses and Farms Customers
2022-10-17
The Confreda Greenhouses and Farms public water system (2150 Scituate Avenue, Hope) is required to issue a do not drink notice for infants 6 months and younger to their customers and employees because nitrate was found in the well over the maximum contaminant level. Parents should not give the water to infants under 6 months old or use it to make formula or juice. Bottled water should be used for infants until the well has returned to safe nitrate levels and RIDOH approves the do not drink notice to be lifted. For more information, customers should refer to the notice provided to them by Confreda Greenhouses and Farms.
The Confreda Greenhouses and Farms water system collected a sample on October 4, 2022 that had a nitrate level of 12 mg/L. A confirmation sample collected on October 5, 2022 had a nitrate level of 12 mg/L. The average of these two samples exceeds the maximum contaminant level of 12 mg/L.
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the maximum contaminant level could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Nitrate is a concern for infants because they can't process nitrates in the same way adults can.
Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms occur in a child less than 6 months old, seek medical attention immediately. If you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.
The do not drink notice will remain in effect until the well has returned to consistent safe nitrate levels and RIDOH approves the do not drink notice to be lifted.
Customers with questions should contact Jonathan Confreda at 401-827-5000.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact and Water Recreation at Slack Reservoir and Georgiaville Pond
2022-10-14
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact and water recreation at Slack Reservoir in Smithfield/Johnston and Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. The State Laboratory identified high concentrations of cyanobacteria toxins that exceed safe levels in water samples collected by DEM from both sites.
People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from these waters. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Survey Results Spotlight Health and Well-being of Rhode Island High School Students
2022-10-12
While Rhode Island high school students report decreases in the use of some substances, mental health challenges persist for many adolescents in the state, according to new results from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)'s Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).
The YRBS is an optional, anonymous survey conducted every two years in randomly selected Rhode Island high schools to provide a snapshot of how many students are engaging in behaviors or face challenges that may put their physical and mental health at risk. The survey also sheds light on student perceptions of their home and school environments. RIDOH uses these data to develop health programs that address the needs and challenges of Rhode Island youth.
"Supporting the healthy development of high school students requires us to have an accurate, comprehensive understanding of the issues they face. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey is an invaluable tool in our work to develop such an understanding, and to do all we can to help Rhode Island kids be healthy and safe," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "The YRBS also helps us understand how students are disproportionately affected by different health issues. Understanding these disparities allows us to address the community level factors that affect students' decisions and behaviors. All students in Rhode Island deserve an equal opportunity to be healthy."
According to responses collected in 2021, 32% of respondents had ever e-vaped (a decrease from 49% in 2019) and 18% reported currently using e-vape products (a decrease from 30% in 2019). While alcohol use remained the same as in the 2019 survey, students reported decreases in:
--Ever smoking cigarettes
--Using any type of tobacco product (including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, or e-cigarettes) in the previous 30 days
--Ever using marijuana and using marijuana during the previous 30 days
Students who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (27%) or other/questioning (20%) reported higher rates of e-vaping, alcohol, and marijuana use. Rates of e-vaping and other substance use were higher among female students than males. Almost a quarter of 12th grade students who responded to the survey (24%) reported current e-vaping use.
The 2021 survey results indicate that 38% of students experienced feelings of sadness or hopelessness (up from 32% in 2019). But 22% of students reported receiving the help they needed when feeling anxious or depressed, a decrease from 33% in 2019. Fewer students said they had a teacher or adult at school they could talk to if they had a problem. Survey respondents reported less fighting and bullying on school property, but electronic bullying levels remained the same as they did in 2019.
Feelings of sadness and hopelessness varied across student demographic groups. Females (52%) were twice as likely as males (25%) to report these feelings. Additionally, students who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (66%) and other/questioning (62%) reported higher rates of sadness and hopelessness than students who identified as heterosexual (29%). Students who did not identify as heterosexual or cisgender also reported higher rates of bullying than students who did identify as heterosexual or cisgender.
The 2021 survey included two new measures related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs):
--One in three students (32%) reported that they have lived with someone who was depressed or suicidal.
--One in four students (24%) reported that they have lived with someone who was having a problem with alcohol or drugs.
RIDOH collaborates on the YRBS with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), and the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH). Students in randomly selected Rhode Island high schools responded to the anonymous survey in the fall of 2021. All respondents were in school full time and were not using remote or hybrid learning.
"The survey results show once again that we, as providers, advocates, families, and peers, must be attuned to the needs and circumstances of our youth and be ready to provide help or direct them to get help, if needed," said BHDDH Director Richard Charest. "Substance use is always a concern, and when nearly one-third of our youth report living with someone who is depressed or suicidal, and nearly a quarter report living with someone who has a substance use condition, we know that this is going to create stress in their lives, and it is our charge to assist them in obtaining the services they need."
Students who responded to the 2021 YRBS reported a decrease in sexual activity. Twenty seven percent of students had ever been sexually active (down from 41% in 2019), while 21% of students said they were currently sexually active (a decrease from 32% in 2019). In 2021, fewer students also reported receiving education about sexual health. Of survey respondents, 49% reported being taught about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and 56% reported being taught about HIV (a decrease from 72% and 77% in 2019, respectively). Five percent of students reported being tested for STDs, a decrease from 15% in 2019.
"The YRBS survey is a valuable tool that allows us to hear directly from our youth so that we can determine how we can better support their social-emotional, health, and academic needs," said Education Commissioner Infante-Green. "We know the last few years have been especially challenging for youth not only here in Rhode Island, but across the nation. With this data and insight, we are better positioned to continue working closely with our State, education, and community partners to ensure our students have access to resources and tools that will allow them to grow and thrive."
To view data from the 2021 YRBS, visit RIDOH's website.
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Falafels From Aldi Recalled
2022-10-11
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Cuisine Innovations Unlimited is recalling its Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel due to the possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. These products were distributed and sold exclusively by Aldi.
Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli is an organism that can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms of infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. The illness primarily impacts older adults, children, and people with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.
The recalled products were sold by Aldis in Rhode Island and several other states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York.
The product comes in a bag in a box marked with any of the following lot numbers: 1472, 1481, 1531, 1532, 1541, 1552, 1561, 1581, 1601, 1611, 1612, 1661, 1682, 1732, 1752, 1762, 1782, 1802, and 1812. There products were shipped to stores after June 24, 2021. The lot number can be found in the "Best if used by" area on the outside flap of the box. An image of the product label is attached.
There have been 20 reported cases of Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli in six with onset dates reported between July 24, 2022 and September 19, 2022. There have been five hospitalizations and no deaths. None of these cases were in Rhode Island.
Consumers who have purchased Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Old Europe Cheese, Inc., Expands Recall to Include Baked Brie Products
2022-10-06
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Old Europe Cheese, Inc., is expanding its voluntarily recall of Brie cheeses to include additional products, specifically baked Brie cheeses, because of a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Old Europe baked brie products with best-by dates through 12/14/2022 are being added to the recalled product list. All recalled products were distributed from August 1, 2022, through September 28, 2022, and were sold at supermarkets, wholesale, and retail stores nationwide and in Mexico. For a list of recalled baked brie products and pictures of product labels, visit FDA's website. Also on the FDA website is a list of products included in the original recall of Brie and Camembert cheeses.
If you have any of the recalled products, do not eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store where you purchased them. This recall has been linked to multiple illnesses nationwide.
Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.
Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.
Governor McKee Announces Major Life Sciences Development Project to Move Forward in the I-195 Innovation and Design District
2022-10-04
Governor Dan McKee today announced that a major life sciences development project is moving forward in the State's Innovation and Design District on the former I-195 land. The 212,000 square foot, seven-story building will house a new public health lab for the State of Rhode Island, while also providing additional lab space available for lease to organizations in the local life sciences community. Ancora L&G - a 50:50 partnership between the alternative asset origination arm of leading United Kingdom financial services group, Legal & General, Legal & General Capital, and North Carolina-based real estate developer, Ancora - has been selected as the developer for the State Health Laboratories following a competitive RFP process.
"Rhode Island has momentum - and this project is crucial to ensuring the momentum continues in the areas of public health and our economy," said Governor Dan McKee. "We're grateful for all the partners who came together to ensure Rhode Island maximizes this significant economic development opportunity while advancing the state's important public health goals."
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) State Health Laboratories will anchor the facility, with the remaining floors available to academic and industry partners in the biotechnology field. The 80,000-square-foot state-of-the-art State Health Laboratories will provide updated and flexible space to accommodate biological and chemical testing for a variety of infectious disease, environmental, and forensic testing services.
To help attract additional tenants and encourage a thriving mix of public and private entities focused on health and medicine, Brown University has signed a letter of intent with Ancora to lease 20,000 square feet of laboratory space in the building.
Josh Parker, CEO of Ancora L&G, said, "We are delighted to have been selected as the developer for the RIDOH State Health Laboratories. The development will deliver much-needed infrastructure for Rhode Island, including state-of-the-art public health labs that will enhance the State's ability to test for and manage a broad range of infectious diseases and illnesses, together with private-sector lab space to support expansion of the area's growing bioscience ecosystem. We are excited to be working on this project, demonstrating our ability to deliver against the needs of our anchor institution partners."
This public/private partnership follows a condominium model with ownership of the State Health Laboratories unit conveyed to the State of Rhode Island on completion, and Ancora L&G retaining ownership of the private laboratory space. Funding for the $81.7 million state laboratory comes from an Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Grant from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The total project cost is expected to be $165 million.
"This new facility will not only make our state safer, but it will make our state more attractive for investment in the life sciences," said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. "This is a smart, two-pronged investment in supporting both our economy and our health experts at RIDOH."
"The old lab space is past its prime and this new one will be a game changer. It will be better designed and equipped to enhance the State's ability to test for serious health threats. This federally-financed project will serve Rhode Island for generations. When it's completed, it will help guard against future public health emergencies and pandemics," said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.
"I'm pleased that the state has selected the former 195 land for our new federally funded state-of-the-art public health lab," said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. "The significant federal investment we secured will help keep Rhode Islanders safe from infectious diseases and add a landmark addition to the District's growing life sciences cluster."
"The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that preparedness is key when public health emergencies strike," said U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin. "I'm thrilled that Governor McKee and his administration are partnering with Ancora L&G to expand our public health infrastructure by breaking ground on a new state health lab. This facility will help ensure that we have state-of-the-art technology at the ready if and when the next crisis arrives. In the meantime, it will deliver fast and reliable medical results to patients all across Rhode Island."
"This CDC grant and public-private partnership will create critically needed bioscience infrastructure in Rhode Island," said U.S. Congressman David Cicilline. "The new facility will provide a modern space for the state's Department of Health and other scientists to conduct cutting-edge research, helping to ensure we are prepared to identify and respond to new viruses and infectious diseases. I look forward to not only breaking ground on the new facility, but to the groundbreaking innovation that it will support."
The project is the result of a multi-partner collaboration, which alongside Ancora L&G and its development partner GRE, a regional development services company serving the Science and Technology sector, includes the Rhode Island Department of Administration, the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and RIDOH.
Building on its long-standing commitment to supporting Jewelry District projects that contribute to the economic vitality of the city and the state, Brown University has signed a letter of intent with Ancora Partners to lease 20,000 square feet of laboratory space in the building for a period of 10 years. Brown has a substantial amount of academic activity relevant to the mission of RIDOH located nearby, including education and research at the Warren Alpert Medical School, Laboratories for Molecular Medicine and School of Public Health. This summer, Brown began work toward creating an integrated life sciences building in the district and simultaneously developed an expansive plan to significantly increase the impact of its research benefiting communities locally, nationally and globally.
Brown President Christina H. Paxson said the University will continue to prioritize investments related to life sciences research and economic activity in the Jewelry District, especially when Brown's participation can help to incentivize investments from new partners seeking a presence in Rhode Island.
"Often, the certainty that comes with tenancy from a Rhode Island anchor institution is an essential factor as private developers consider new investments in Providence," Paxson said. "We're pleased that Brown's role in this project will help drive other investment, much in the way we did for South Street Landing and the Innovation Center at 225 Dyer. We can act as a catalyst for further development while we also strengthen our infrastructure to enable even more high-impact research in health, medicine and other fields that makes a positive difference in the lives of people in Rhode Island and well beyond."
"The pandemic proved how critical it is to have a modern State Health Lab to meet such increased health demands," said Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio. "We strongly support this facility, and we are pleased the federal government provided funding to enable our state to make such an important investment."
The public design review process will begin at the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission meeting on October 19 where Ancora L&G will present their design. There will also be an opportunity for public comment and a presentation by the Commission's design consultant.
"This public-private partnership is exactly the catalyst needed to propel life science development in the District," said Robert Davis, Chairman of the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission. "The 130,000 square feet of private lab space could not have been built except through this kind of partnership and its presence will pave the way for more life science businesses to grow and energize Rhode Island's economy."
"The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for public health laboratories to rapidly scale up testing and apply new technologies like pathogen genomic sequencing," said Glen R. Gallagher PhD, the Director of RIDOH's State Health Laboratories. "The commitment of this new laboratory space will allow our staff to work more efficiently and safely while positioning the laboratory to respond to emerging infectious disease and chemical public health concerns for decades to come."
With 50,000 square feet of direct usable space, the new lab will offer a larger, more modern and technologically advanced workspace than the current state health lab located at 50 Orms Street. Like the Orms Street location, the new lab will include a Biosafety Level 3 facility and will be able to provide critical services for a variety of infectious disease, environmental, and forensic testing needs. The updated space will allow the State Health Laboratory to be more flexible in response to emerging threats and applying new technologies including the expanding field of genome sequencing.
Old Europe Cheese, Inc., Recalls Brie and Camembert Cheeses Due to Possible Contamination
2022-10-03
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Old Europe Cheese, Inc., is voluntarily recalling its Brie and Camembert cheeses because of a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
All Old Europe Cheese Brie and Camembert products with best-by dates through 12/14/2022 are impacted by this recall. The recalled products were distributed from August 1, 2022, through September 28, 2022, and were sold at supermarkets, wholesale, and retail stores nationwide, and may include Albertsons, Safeway, Meijer, Harding's, Shaw's, Price Chopper, Market Basket, Raley's, Save Mart, Giant Foods, Stop & Shop, Fresh Thyme, Lidl, Sprouts, Athenian Foods, and Whole Foods. For a complete list of recalled products and pictures of product labels, visit FDA's website.
If you have any of the recalled products, do not eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store where you purchased them. This recall has been linked to multiple illnesses nationwide.
Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, people not in one of the high-risk groups are affected.
Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections occur in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Anyone in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell their healthcare provider about eating the contaminated food.
Chai Concentrate Mix Recalled
2022-09-30
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that the Chai Box is recalling certain glass and plastic bottles of chai concentrate mix due to potential under-processing, which may lead to Clostridium botulinum contamination.
Recalled products:
• 16 oz glass bottles of Chai Concentrate Mix - UPC 7 93611 81925 2
• 64 oz plastic bottles of Chai Concentrate Mix - UPC 7 93611 81926 9
• 16 oz glass bottles of Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix - UPC 793611819252
• 64 oz plastic bottles of Unsweetened Chai Concentrate Mix - UPC 793611819269
The products have Best By dates between 09/22/2022 and 03/16/2023. These products should not be consumed.
No other production codes or products are affected by this recall. There have been no reports of illness associated with these products to date.
These products were shipped nationwide to consumers, retailers, and wholesalers.
RIDOH and DEM Expand Recommendations to Avoid Contact with Wenscott Reservoir
2022-09-29
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the pond. A previous advisory this summer specified to avoid the area of Wenscott Reservoir near Douglas Pike, just past Cavalry Drive. This advisory is now expanded to include all of Wenscott Reservoir. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. RIDOH's State Laboratory detected high concentrations of cyanobacteria toxins in water collected by DEM at Governor Notte Park.
People should also be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the pond. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM's Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom. For further information visit: http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen
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Update on Woonsocket Remains
2022-09-23
The Office of the State Medical Examiners at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has identified the second of two decedents recovered at a home in Woonsocket on September 19th as Daniel Grabowski. Earlier this week, RIDOH identified the other decedent recovered in the home as Susan Menard. The cause of death for Susan Menard was determined to be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The cause of death for Daniel Grabowski was determined to be type 2 diabetes.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with J.L. Curran Upper Reservoir in Cranston
2022-09-21
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with J.L Curran Upper Reservoir in Cranston due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals.
People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the pond. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Woonsocket Remains Identified
2022-09-21
The Office of the State Medical Examiners at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has identified one of the two decedents recovered at a home in Woonsocket on September 19th as Susan Menard. The identity of the second decedent has not yet been finalized. The causes of death for these individuals are still pending.
RIDOH Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus in 2022
2022-09-16
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is announcing Rhode Island's first human case of West Nile Virus in 2022. West Nile Virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.
The person who tested positive was a resident of Providence County in their 70s and is currently hospitalized after starting to experience symptoms of West Nile Virus almost three weeks ago.
Connecticut has confirmed one West Nile Virus cases in a human and Massachusetts has confirmed four human cases this year. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has confirmed two positive findings for West Nile Virus in mosquito traps this year.
Common symptoms of West Nile Virus include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Although many people who are infected with West Nile Virus show no symptoms, symptoms last for some people for several days or several weeks.
"The best way to prevent West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and to avoid mosquito bites," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "Mosquitoes breed in water, so you should get rid of anything around your house and yard that collects water, such as tires, planters, and old trash cans or recycling bins. You should use repellent, and also wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you are outside, especially at sunrise and sunset. A few simple precautions can help you stay healthy and safe when you are outdoors spending quality time with family and friends."
Protect yourself:
--Put screens on windows and doors. Fix screens that are loose or have holes.
--At sunrise and sundown (when mosquitoes are most active), consider rescheduling outdoor activities. If you must be outside, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use bug spray.
--Use EPA-approved bug spray with one of the following active ingredients: DEET (20-30% strength); picaridin, IR3535; and oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthane. Do not use bug spray with DEET on infants under two months of age. Children should be careful not to rub their eyes after bug spray has been applied on their skin. Wash children's hands with soap and water to remove any bug spray when they return indoors.
Get rid of mosquito breeding grounds:
--Get rid of anything around your house and yard that collects water. Just one cup of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.
--Clean your gutters and downspouts so that they can drain properly.
--Remove any water from unused swimming pools, wading pools, boats, planters, trash and recycling bins, tires, and anything else that collects water, and cover them.
--Remove or treat any shallow water that can accumulate on top of a pool cover.
--Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week and rinse out birdbaths once a week.
Health Advisory Issued for Ground Beef in HelloFresh Meal Kits
2022-09-12
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that ground beef products in HelloFresh meal kits may be associated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 illness. The meal kits containing ground beef for this public health alert were shipped to consumers between July 2, 2022 and July 21, 2022.
The ground beef products came in 10-oz. plastic vacuum-packed packages with the label "GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN/15% FAT" and codes "EST#46481 L1 22 155" or "EST#46481 L5 22 155" on the side of the packaging. (See link below for product label.)
Federal health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 and raw ground beef is the probable source of the reported illnesses. Traceback information identified that multiple case-patients received these HelloFresh ground beef products.
Some product may still be in consumers' freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Lifting Restrictions for Blue-green Algae in Spring Lake
2022-09-09
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory restricting recreational activities at Spring Lake in Burrillville. (Spring Lake is also known as Herring Pond.) The advisory was related to high levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, and associated toxins.
Recent consecutive surveys by DEM and sample analysis conducted by RIDOH's State Health Laboratories confirmed that blue-green algae has been at acceptably low levels and that cyanotoxins are not present in detectable concentrations. These findings meet state guidelines to support lifting the advisory.
Blue-green algae conditions can change quickly, and it is possible that blooms may affect Spring Lake again, as well as other waterbodies in Rhode Island. The public should avoid contact with any body of water that is bright green or has a dense, floating algal mat on the water's surface. Blue-green algae blooms may look like green paint or thick pea soup. Toxins may persist in the water after a blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Updated COVID-19 Booster Doses to be Available in Rhode Island
2022-09-06
With a new, more comprehensive COVID-19 booster dose now authorized and recommended by federal health officials, these updated booster shots will start to become available in Rhode Island this week and next.
"This is a good reminder that one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 is to stay up to date on vaccination," said Governor Dan McKee. "The Rhode Island Department of Health continues to monitor vaccine availability closely and will ensure that this new, more comprehensive booster dose is available for Rhode Islanders as soon as possible."
The more comprehensive booster doses are bivalent vaccine, meaning that they target two strains of COVID-19. The bivalent COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer and Moderna target the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron variant, which is the strain causing most current cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now recommending that everyone age 12 or older who has received a primary series of COVID-19 vaccine get a bivalent booster at least two months after their last dose. (This bivalent booster dose is not available to children younger than 12.) This recommendation applies no matter how many boosters a person has already received. For example, if a person received their primary series and two booster doses, they should still get a bivalent booster at least two months after their last booster dose.
Rhode Island is working to ensure that bivalent booster doses are available to residents in long-term care facilities and assisted living facilities, as residents of these facilities are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
Some Rhode Island primary care providers have begun ordering bivalent COVID-19 booster doses. After receiving vaccine, primary care providers work with patients to schedule appointments. People should contact their primary care providers to learn about bivalent vaccine availability. Separately, some independent pharmacies and retail pharmacies (such as CVS and Walgreens) are beginning to schedule appointments for bivalent COVID-19 boosters for this week. Vaccines.Gov [vaccines.gov] is an additional tool people can use to learn about the availability of bivalent COVID-19 booster doses.
The Pfizer bivalent booster is recommended for people age 12 or older and the Moderna bivalent booster is recommended for people age 18 or older. The bivalent boosters will replace existing Pfizer and Moderna monovalent boosters. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC have repealed their authorization and recommendation for the current Pfizer and Moderna monovalent boosters. This means that anyone age 12 or older who would like a COVID-19 booster will get a bivalent booster.
For more information about COVID-19, see covid.ri.gov.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Blackamore Pond
2022-09-02
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Blackamore Pond in Cranston due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the pond. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. RIDOH's State Laboratory detected high concentrations of cyanobacteria cells and toxins in water collected by DEM at Blackamore Pond.
People should also be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the pond. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM's Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Spring Lake (also known as Herring Pond)
2022-08-26
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Spring Lake (also known as Herring Pond) in Burrillville due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) blooms. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. Toxins were present in recent samples.
People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the lake. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest lake water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with lake waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Mighty Sesame Tahini Recalled
2022-08-24
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Rushdi Food Industries is recalling their Mighty Sesame 10.9 Oz Organic Tahini (squeezable) with the specific expiration date of 3/28/23. This recall is due to potential Salmonella contamination.
The recalled product was sold in Walmarts in Rhode Island, and retailers in other states, including New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. This recall was initiated when the company received a notification by the FDA and the West Virginia Department of Health of the potential presence of Salmonella in this specific lot. The company has received no reports of illness or injury to date.
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severs illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Consumers who may have purchased this product are advised to discontinue use immediately and discard or return the product for credit or refund. If a consumer experiences the symptoms listed above and believes they may have been exposed to Salmonella, they are urged to contact a healthcare provider.
Nutritional and Beverage Product Recall Expanded
2022-08-19
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Lyons Magnus is expanding its recall of nutritional and beverage products to include many additional products. An initial Lyons Magnus recall of nutritional and beverage products was announced on August 1.
The recalled nutritional and beverage products were sold under the brand names: Lyons Barista Style, Lyons Ready Care, Cafe Grumpy, Tone It Up, Uproot, Organic Valley, Sated, Aloha, Rejuvenate, Optimum Nutrition, Sweetie Pie Organics, Intelligentsia, Ensure Harvest, PediaSure Harvest, Glucerna, Kate Farms, Pirq, Oatly, Premier Protein, Stumptown, and Imperial. Product details are listed in a table online.
This recall is being conducted due to the potential for microbial contamination, including from the organisms Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum. Although Clostridium botulinum has not been found in products, consumers are warned not to consume any of the recalled products even if they do not look or smell spoiled. The list of recalled products does not include products intended for infants (i.e., under the age of one).
While infection related to Cronobacter sakazakii is rare, the common symptoms of illness could include fever, vomiting and urinary tract infection. However, vulnerable and immunocompromised populations may be more susceptible to infection.
Clostridium botulinum may cause a severe form of food poisoning. It can begin from six hours to two weeks after eating food that contains the toxin. Symptoms may include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness. Botulism poisoning can cause respiratory paralysis, resulting in death, unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided.
Root cause analysis indicates that the products did not meet commercial sterility specifications.
Anyone who has a recalled product in his or her possession should dispose of it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Eligible Rhode Islanders Reminded to Sign Up for Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Notification List
2022-08-18
As Rhode Island continues to expand its monkeypox vaccination campaign, eligible Rhode Islanders are reminded to add their names to the State's confidential Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Notification List. As additional doses of monkeypox vaccine become available in Rhode Island, eligible Rhode Islanders will be contacted directly about vaccination opportunities at community clinics.
"While the risk of monkeypox for most Rhode Islanders is low, people who are eligible to be vaccinated because they are at higher risk should get vaccinated. Through the Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Notification List, you will get a direct communication, either through email or text, about vaccine availability," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "Given the national shortage of monkeypox vaccine, this is the quickest way to access vaccine as soon as it comes into Rhode Island."
This reminder about signing up for the Vaccine Interest Notification List comes in advance of four additional community vaccination clinics that have been scheduled for August 19, August 20, September 2, and September 3. People who had already added their names to the Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Notification List when these clinics opened have been contacted directly about how to register. These clinics are nearing capacity. Additional clinics will be scheduled in the coming weeks. For more information about registration, see: http://health.ri.gov/monkeypox
RIDOH previously held two community vaccination clinics on August 5 and August 6. In addition to RIDOH-sponsored community vaccination clinics, health facilities such as Open Door Health, the Miriam Hospital Infectious Disease Clinic, and Thundermist Health Center have received limited amounts of monkeypox vaccine.
Eligibility for vaccination
--People who are identified through a case investigation as close contacts of an individual with confirmed monkeypox (these people will be contacted directly by RIDOH)
--Rhode Island residents who are 18 or older, AND
--Had multiple sex partners, or at least one anonymous sex partner, during the
past 30 days
AND is:
--Gay, bi, queer, or other man who has sex with men, OR
--Transgender, non-binary, or gender diverse individual who has sex with
any men who have sex with men.
Signing up for the Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Notification List
To sign up for the Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Notification List, visit http://health.ri.gov/monkeypox and scroll to the Vaccination section. The Monkeypox Vaccine Interest Notification List is only for notifications about community vaccination clinics.
General information about monkeypox
The US and the world are currently responding to an outbreak of monkeypox. Rhode Island has identified 33 cases and more than 12,600 cases have been identified nationally. Monkeypox is a virus that can be serious. It spreads through close physical contact with body fluids, monkeypox lesions, items that have been contaminated with fluids or lesion materials (clothing, bedding, etc.), or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact.
An individual becomes contagious when symptoms first appear. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
Nationally, many gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with other men have been diagnosed with monkeypox, especially those who have reported multiple or anonymous sexual partners. However, people of any sexual orientation or gender identity can become infected with monkeypox.
Monkeypox prevention
There are vaccines that help protect against monkeypox. In Rhode Island, the JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine is being administered. This is a two-dose series, with the second dose coming roughly 28 days after the first dose. Full protection is achieved 14 days after the second dose.
In addition to getting vaccinated, people can take other prevention measures. Before having close, physical contact with others, talk to your partners about their health and any recent rashes or sores. Additionally, if you have symptoms, particularly a rash consistent with monkeypox (even if you do not think you were in contact with anyone with monkeypox), or if you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox:
--Stay home and isolate from household members.
--Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible for an evaluation.
--Avoid skin-to-skin, or close contact with others, including sexual contact.
--Inform sex partners about any symptoms you are experiencing.
--Cover the rash with clean, dry, loose-fitting clothing.
--If contacted by public health officials, answer their questions to help protect others who may have been exposed
Wild Cherry Capri Suns Recalled
2022-08-17
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Kraft Heinz is recalling approximately 5,760 cases of Capri Sun Wild Cherry Flavored Juice Drinks. This recall comes after diluted cleaning solution, which is used on food processing equipment, was inadvertently introduced into a production line at a Kraft Heinz factory.
The "Best When Used By" date on the products is June 25, 2023. The products came in 6.6 fluid ounce pouches. Additional product information, including UPCs for the recalled products, is available online.
The issue was discovered after Kraft Heinz received several consumer complaints about the taste of the affected product. The company is actively working with retail partners and distributors to remove potentially impacted product from circulation.
Consumers who purchased these items should not consume them. They can be returned to the stores where they were purchased.
Pretzel Buns and Bites Recalled
2022-08-16
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that King's Hawaiian is recalling its Pretzel Slider Buns, Pretzel Hamburger Buns, and Pretzel Bites following a recall of an ingredient used in these products from the supplier Lyons Magnus. Lyons Magnus is recalling this ingredient due to the potential for it to cause microbial contamination including from the organisms Cronobacter sakazakii and Clostridium botulinum. While no illnesses associated with King's Hawaiian pretzel bread have been reported, and no pathogens have been found in any King's Hawaiian products to date, the recall is being conducted to ensure consumer safety.
These products were sold at Walmart, Stop and Shop, and Target locations in Rhode Island. These products may have been sold by additional retailers in Rhode Island. Consumers in possession of any King's Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns, King's Hawaiian Pretzel Hamburger Buns, or King's Hawaiian Pretzel Bites should dispose of the product.
This recall does not impact any other King's Hawaiian products, as no other products use this ingredient from Lyons Magnus.
Company Expands Recall of Nutritional and Beverage Products
2022-08-11
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that the company Lyons Magnus is expanding its recall to include additional brands and code dates due to the potential for microbial contamination, including from the organism Cronobaster sakazakii.
A complete list of recalled products is available on FDA's website. To identify the Lot Code and Best By Date, refer to the top of the carton for individual cartons or the side of the case for multi-carton cases. The products were distributed nationally, including to Walmarts and BJ Wholesale Clubs in Rhode Island.
While infection related to Cronobacter sakazakii is rare, the common symptoms of illness could include fever, vomiting, and urinary tract infection. However, vulnerable and people with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to infection. To date, no illnesses or complaints related to the recalled products have been reported.
The recalled products should not be consumed. Consumers who have any of the recalled products should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers may also contact the 24/7 Lyons Recall Support Center at 800-627-0557 or visit the company's website.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Water Recreation at Camp Hoffman and a Section of Wenscott Reservoir; Lifting advisory for Slack Reservoir
2022-08-05
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid water recreation at Camp Hoffman on Larkin Pond in Kingston and the area of Wenscott Reservoir near Douglas Pike, just past Cavalry Drive in North Providence, due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) blooms. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals.
For Slack Reservoir in Smithfield, recent consecutive surveys and sample analyses confirmed that blue-green algae has been at acceptably low levels and that cyanotoxin is not present in detectable concentrations. These findings meet State guidelines to support lifting the advisory.
People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from waters that are under advisories. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Caution should be used when recreating in other areas of Larkin Pond and Wenscott Reservoir as conditions may change and extend the cyanobacteria bloom to other areas.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Wraps Recalled
2022-08-01
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Rachael's Food Corporation is recalling approximately 2,250 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry wrap products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The ready-to-eat meat and poultry wraps were produced from July 15, 2022, through July 20, 2022. The following products are subject to recall:
• 7.5-oz. sealed plastic container packages containing "ATLANTIS FRESH MARKET Italian Style Wrap" with lot codes 22195, 22196, 22199 and 22200, and "Enjoy before" dates of 07/30/22. 07/31/22, 08/01/22, 08/02/22 and 08/03/22 represented on the label.
• 7.5-oz. sealed plastic container packages containing "RACHAEL'S FOOD CORPORATION Italian Style Wrap" with lot codes 22195, 22196, 22199 and 22200, and "Sell Through" dates of 07/30/22. 07/31/22, 08/01/22, 08/02/22 and 08/03/22 represented on the label.
• 7.5-oz. sealed plastic container packages containing "ATLANTIS FRESH MARKET Turkey Club Wrap" with lot codes 22195, 22196, 22199 and 22200, and "Enjoy before" dates of 07/30/22. 07/31/22, 08/01/22, 08/02/22 and 08/03/22 represented on the label.
• 7.5-oz. sealed plastic container packages containing "RACHAEL'S FOOD CORPORATION Turkey Club Wrap" with lot codes 22195, 22196, 22199 and 22200, and "Sell Through" dates of 07/30/22. 07/31/22, 08/01/22, 08/02/22 and 08/03/22 represented on the label.
• 7.5-oz. sealed plastic container packages containing "ATLANTIS FRESH MARKET Buffalo Style Chicken Wrap" with lot codes 22195, 22196, 22199 and 22200, and "Enjoy before" dates of 07/30/22. 07/31/22, 08/01/22, 08/02/22 and 08/03/22 represented on the label.
• 7.5-oz. sealed plastic container packages containing "RACHAEL'S FOOD CORPORATION Buffalo Style Chicken Wrap" and with lot codes 22195, 22196, 22199 and 22200, and "Sell Through" dates of 07/30/22. 07/31/22, 08/01/22, 08/02/22 and 08/03/22 represented on the label.
• 8-oz. sealed plastic container packages containing "ATLANTIS FRESH MARKET Chicken Caesar Wrap" with lot codes 22195, 22196, 22199 and 22200, and "Enjoy before" dates of 07/30/22. 07/31/22, 08/01/22, 08/02/22 and 08/03/22 represented on the label.
• 8-oz. sealed plastic container packages containing "RACHAEL'S FOOD CORPORATION Chicken Caesar Wrap" with lot codes 22195, 22196, 22199 and 22200, and "Sell Through" dates of 07/30/22. 07/31/22, 08/01/22, 08/02/22 and 08/03/22 represented on the label.
• 8-oz. sealed plastic container packages containing "ALL TOWN CHICKEN CAESAR WRAP" with lot codes 22195, 22196, 22199 and 22200, and "Sell Through" dates of 07/30/22. 07/31/22, 08/01/22, 08/02/22 and 08/03/22 represented on the label.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number "EST 34657" or "P34657" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.
Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.
Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Nutritional and Beverage Products Recalled
2022-08-01
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that the company Lyons Magnus is recalling nutritional and beverage products due to the potential for microbial contamination, including from the organism Cronobacter sakazakii.
The products are packed in various formats under many different brand names, including Lyons Ready Care, Lyons Barista Style, Pirq, Glucerna Original, Aloha, Intelligentsia, Kate Farms, Oatly, Premier Protein, MRE, Stumptown, and Imperial. Product details are listed in a table online (see link below). To identify the Lot Code and Best By Date refer to the top of the carton for individual cartons or the side of the case for multi-carton cases. The products were distributed nationally, including to Walmarts and BJ Wholesale Clubs in Rhode Island.
A preliminary analysis indicated that products did not meet commercial sterility specifications.
While infection related to Cronobacter sakazakii is rare, the common symptoms of illness could include fever, vomiting, and urinary tract infection. However, vulnerable and immunocompromised populations may be more susceptible to infection. To date, no illnesses or complaints related to these products have been reported. The recalled products should not be consumed.
Anyone who has a recalled product in his or her possession should dispose of it immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers in all time zones with questions may contact the Lyons Recall Support Center at 1-800-627-0557, or visit its website at www.lyonsmagnus.com [lyonsmagnus.com]. This recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with the Bridge Area of Island Drive of Johnson's Pond
2022-07-29
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with the Bridge Area of Island Drive of Johnson's Pond in Coventry due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the pond. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. Bloom conditions can change quickly, and other areas of the waterbody may be affected, so users in other areas should exercise caution.
People should also be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the pond. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest affected waters are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM's Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Water Recreation at Roger Williams Ponds, Slack Reservoir, and Mashapaug Pond
2022-07-22
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid water recreation at Slack Reservoir in Smithfield/Johnston, Mashapaug Pond in Providence, and the Roger Williams Park ponds in Providence due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) blooms. At this time, blooms are known to be present in Roger Williams Park ponds at Cunliff and Elm Lakes, but they are likely to be present in other park water bodies (Roosevelt, Edgewood, Pleasure, Polo, and Willow Lakes). Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals.
People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from these waters. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Rhode Islanders Reminded About Heat Precautions
2022-07-18
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding all Rhode Islanders about safety tips to keep themselves healthy and safe during extreme heat.
Normally, when you get hot, your body cools itself by sweating. But when it is very hot and humid, sweating isn't enough, and your body temperature can rise very quickly. High temperatures can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps. Certain populations are at increased risk for heat-related illness during periods of extreme heat. These populations include babies and young children, older adults, and people who work outdoors.
When you are outside during extreme heat:
• Stay out of the direct sun. Try to stay in shaded areas.
• Wear a hat with a brim and wear sunscreen for protection.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Pace yourself when you exercise.
• Schedule outdoor events early in the morning, when it is cooler and the air quality is better.
• Wear light-colored and light-weight clothing.
When you are inside during extreme heat:
• Use air conditioning or fans, windows, and shades or curtains to keep your house cool.
• Take cool showers or baths. Avoid cooking hot food indoors when the day is at its hottest.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Never leave a child, pet, or older adults in an unattended car during periods of extreme heat.
Watch for warning signs:
Check on friends, family, and neighbors during periods of extreme heat. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting, tiredness; dizziness; or headache. If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place; put a cool, wet cloth on their body; and have them sip water. Call medical help if symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour.
Cooling centers:
Some cities and towns have cooling centers open to those who need shelter during periods of extreme heat. To find a cooling center, call 2-1-1 or visit: https://riema.ri.gov/planning-mitigation/resources-businesses/cooling-centers
Dog Treats Recalled
2022-07-18
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Stormberg Foods is recalling various sizes and batches of Beg & Barker Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treats, Billo's Best Friend Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treats, and Green Coast Pets Chicken Crisps Dog Treats due to a potential contamination of Salmonella.
The products were distributed between June 8, 2022 and June 22, 2022. They were packaged in branded plastic bags in carboard master cases and shipped primarily to warehouses in Rhode Island, California, Minnesota, and North Carolina. Products are then shipped nationwide to retail facilities and consumers via the internet.
Information about the UPCs and batches affected is available online. (See link below.)
Salmonella can affect pets eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with these products should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled products and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Consumers who have purchased these products and/or have pets who have become ill are urged to notify stormbergship@gmail.com immediately with all product information for return or proper disposal information. Consumers with questions may contact the company's customer services department at 919-947-6011.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Cunliff Lake; Lifting Advisory for Roosevelt Pond, Turner Reservoir, and Lake Tiogue
2022-07-15
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Cunliff Lake (Roger Williams Park) in Providence due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals.
Recent consecutive surveys and sample analyses from Turner Reservoir in East Providence, Roosevelt Pond (Roger Williams Park) in Providence and at Tiogue Lake in Coventry confirmed that blue-green algae has been at acceptably low levels and that cyanotoxin is not present in detectable concentrations. These findings meet state guidelines to support lifting the advisory.
People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from Cunliff Lake and Elm Lakes (also under advisory) at Roger Williams Park. All recreation, including swimming, wading, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest the water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the lakes. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Caution should be used when recreating throughout Roger Williams Park as conditions may change and extend the cyanobacteria bloom to other areas.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may also be present in other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Free Skin Cancer Screenings to be Available at Rhode Island Beaches
2022-07-15
Between tomorrow and the end of August, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Brown Dermatology, and partners statewide will be making free skin cancer screenings available at select Rhode Island parks and beaches on six dates.
"Along with using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more and seeking shade, getting a skin check is the most important thing you can do to protect against skin cancer this summer," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones and complexions, which is why all Rhode Islanders should take advantage of these free, convenient skin cancer checks. A cancer screening has the power to save a life."
"We are thrilled to be able to participate in Skin Check again after having to cancel it the last few years due to COVID-19," John C. Kawaoka, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Warren Alpert Medical School. "Getting screened is incredibly important as one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Every year at the beaches we find a number of skin cancers, including melanoma, many of which people had no idea that they had."
"After a pandemic pause, Lifespan is excited to resume free skin cancer screenings at local beaches and parks," said Carrie Bridges Feliz, MPH, Vice President of Lifespan's Community Health and Equity. "We are especially focused this year on reaching a more diverse audience and when needed, to provide the extensive follow-up to ensure that anyone with an abnormal result receives the care they need."
All screenings will be private and provided by dermatologists and dermatology residents affiliated with Brown Dermatology. The first 100 people at each event will be screened. People who require follow-up will be referred for dermatology consults. People are asked to wear bathing suits or clothing that can easily be removed.
WJAR is the primary sponsor of the screening events. Other partners include the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, Lifespan Community Health Institute, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), and the Roger Williams Park Conservancy.
Free Cancer Screenings Dates And locations
Narragansett - Scarborough North State Beach
Saturday, July 16th, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
970 Ocean Rd., Narragansett, RI 02882
*Spanish language interpreters available
Narragansett - Roger W. Wheeler State Beach
Friday, July 22nd, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
970 Ocean Rd., Narragansett, RI 02882
Lincoln - Lincoln Woods Freshwater Beach
Saturday, July 30th, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
101 Table Rock Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865 (At the beach)
*Spanish language interpreters available
Newport - Easton's Beach (First Beach)
Friday, August 12th, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
175 Memorial Blvd., Newport, RI 02840
South Kingstown - East Matunuck State Beach
Friday, August 19th, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
950 Succotash Rd., South Kingstown, RI 02881
Providence - Roger Williams Park
Friday, August 26th, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02907 (Broad St. entrance)
*parking available at baseball field lot
*Spanish language interpreters available
Prevention and Early Detection
The two ways to stay sun safe this summer are prevention (using sunscreen, wearing protective apparel, and staying out of the direct sun) and early detection (getting screened).
Prevention:
• Apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more with both UVA and UVB protection ("broad spectrum" sunscreen). Make sure to put it on all areas of skin exposed to the sun, including ears, neck, nose, eyelids, fingers and toes, and reapply every two hours.
• Use water-resistant sunscreen while swimming, boating or exercising;
• Seek shade, especially when the sun rays are the strongest between 10 AM and 2 PM;
• Wear protective clothing, such as UPF clothing (UV resistant);
• Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck;
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection where possible;
• Use caution near water, sand and snow because they reflect and intensify the rays of the sun and can increase your chances of sunburn;
• Avoid indoor tanning.
Early detection:
• Talk with your primary care provider about seeing a dermatologist and getting screened for skin cancer, especially if you have a family history of it.
• Watch your moles and skin spots over time. If you see changes in their size, color, number, or thickness, they need to be checked by a primary care provider or a dermatologist.
• Get your kids screened. Skin cancer is a growing concern for children, especially among adolescents. Talk with your child's pediatrician about skin cancer screening.
• If you work outdoors, you should be screened annually by a dermatologist.
RIDOH's Monkeypox Task Force Taking Prevention and Control Measures (ingles y espanol)
2022-07-14
As national health experts continue to track the ongoing global outbreak of monkeypox, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)'s Monkeypox Task Force is coordinating with healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, and communities on monkeypox prevention and control measures.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. As part of this current outbreak, six monkeypox cases have been identified in Rhode Island. More than 1,000 cases have been identified nationally, including 49 cases in Massachusetts, and 159 cases in New York. Current evidence from around the country suggests that the virus is spreading mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox.
"At this time, the risk of monkeypox for most Rhode Islanders is low. However, we are taking this global outbreak very seriously," said Governor Dan McKee. "We are coordinating with our federal partners and are ensuring that healthcare providers throughout the state are prepared to identify any cases and get patients into the appropriate treatment and care."
"At RIDOH we are working to help the public understand how to prevent monkeypox now, with a focus on communities at higher risk," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "At the same time, we are laying out future plans to get more prevention tools and resources into the community as they are made available by the federal government."
There is ample testing capacity for monkeypox, anti-viral treatment (Tecovirimat), and an FDA-approved vaccine (JYNNEOS) available to prevent this infection. However, the vaccine is currently in short supply nationally.
The measures currently being taken by RIDOH's Monkeypox Task Force include:
• Performing case interviews and contact identification to collect the clinical and epidemiological information needed for isolation, contact monitoring, and post-exposure vaccination.
• In consultation with patients' healthcare providers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), assessing cases to determine whether they are appropriate candidates for antiviral treatment (Tecovirimat).
• Coordinating the post-exposure preventive vaccination of close contacts. (All vaccination is being coordinated through RIDOH on a referral basis.)
• Coordinating with select healthcare facilities to serve as vaccination sites. These sites serve communities at the highest risk of exposure.
• Regularly communicating with healthcare providers on clinical recognition, specimen collection, and case reporting 24/7.
• Coordinating specimen collection, transport, and analysis at RIDOH's State Health Laboratories for clinically compatible cases 24/7.
• Partnering with community organizations and businesses that serve higher risk populations on prevention education.
RIDOH's Monkeypox Task Force includes staff from RIDOH's Division of Preparedness, Response, Infectious Disease, and Emergency Medical Services; the Office of Immunization; the State Health Laboratories; the Health Equity Institute; and RIDOH's Center for Public Health Communication.
Monkeypox Symptoms
Symptoms can include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus
Sometimes people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. Most infections last two to four weeks and resolve on their own, but some cases can become severe.
Monkeypox Transmission
An individual becomes contagious when symptoms first appear. Transmission occurs through close physical contact with body fluids, monkeypox lesions, items that have been contaminated with fluids or lesion materials (clothing, bedding, etc.), or through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact. The infectious period ends when all skin sores have crusted over. This may take between two and four weeks. Deaths and hospitalizations from monkeypox are rare.
Monkeypox is much less transmissible than COVID-19, which spreads through the air. Nationally, many gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men have been diagnosed with monkeypox, especially those who have reported multiple or anonymous sexual partners. RIDOH has shared information about monkeypox and sexually transmitted infection prevention for this group on its "Sexual Health Information for Gay/Bisexual Men and Gender Diverse People" web page. However, people of any sexual orientation or gender identity can become infected and spread monkeypox. RIDOH urges everyone to avoid stigmatizing a particular group or person for monkeypox, but rather support those at highest risk and ensure that all communities remain vigilant.
Monkeypox Prevention
There is a vaccine to help prevent monkeypox virus infection. However, this vaccine is currently in short supply nationally. The CDC is using a very specific formula to allocate monkeypox vaccine to states, considering factors such as population size, current monkeypox case counts, and historical data on sexually transmitted infections. For this reason, Rhode Island has been allocated much less vaccine than other states (for example, Massachusetts). At this time, Rhode Island has only been allocated enough vaccine to vaccinate close contacts of cases. Vaccination of contacts within four days of exposure can prevent illness and if given within 14 days of exposure can significantly reduce severity of illness should the person develop illness.
If a person has symptoms, particularly a rash consistent with monkeypox (even if they do not think they were in contact with anyone with monkeypox), or if they have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox, they should:
• Stay home and isolate from household members
• Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible for an evaluation
• Avoid skin-to-skin, or close contact with others, including sexual contact, until a medical evaluation has been completed
• Inform sex partners about any symptoms you are experiencing
• Cover the rash with clean, dry, loose-fitting clothing
• If contacted by public health officials, answer their questions to help protect others who may have been exposed
More information about monkeypox is available at http://health.ri.gov/monkeypox.
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A medida que los expertos nacionales en salud continúan rastreando el brote mundial en curso de viruela del mono, el Equipo Especial sobre la Viruela del Mono del Departamento de Salud de Rhode Island (RIDOH) está coordinando con los proveedores de atención médica, los centros de atención médica y las comunidades las medidas de prevención y control de la viruela del mono.
La viruela del mono es una enfermedad rara causada por la infección con el virus de la viruela del mono. Como parte de este brote actual, se identificaron seis casos en Rhode Island. Se han identificado 1,814 casos a nivel nacional, incluidos 51 casos en Massachusetts y 489 casos en Nueva York. La evidencia actual de todo el país sugiere que el virus se está propagando principalmente a través del contacto cercano e íntimo con alguien que tiene viruela del mono.
"En este momento, el riesgo de viruela del mono para la mayoría de los habitantes de Rhode Island es bajo. Sin embargo, estamos tomando muy en serio este brote mundial", dijo el gobernador Dan McKee. "Nos estamos coordinando con nuestros socios federales y nos aseguramos de que los proveedores de atención médica en todo el estado estén preparados para identificar cualquier caso y hacer que los pacientes reciban el tratamiento y la atención adecuados".
"En RIDOH estamos trabajando para ayudar al público a comprender cómo prevenir la viruela del mono, con un enfoque en las comunidades con mayor riesgo", dijo la directora interina de salud Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "Al mismo tiempo, estamos diseñando planes futuros para obtener más herramientas y recursos de prevención en la comunidad a medida que el gobierno federal los ponga a disposición".
Existe una amplia capacidad de prueba para la viruela del mono, tratamiento antiviral (Tecovirimat) y una vacuna aprobada por la FDA (JYNNEOS) disponible para prevenir esta infección. Sin embargo, la vacuna actualmente escasea a nivel nacional.
Las medidas que está tomando actualmente el Equipo Especial contra la Viruela del Mono de RIDOH incluyen:
• Realización de entrevistas de casos e identificación de contactos para recopilar la información clínica y epidemiológica necesaria para el aislamiento, seguimiento de contactos y vacunación post-exposición.
• En consulta con los proveedores de atención médica de los pacientes y los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC), evaluar los casos para determinar si son candidatos apropiados para el tratamiento antiviral (Tecovirimat).
• Coordinar la vacunación preventiva post-exposición de los contactos estrechos. (Todas las vacunas se coordinan a través de RIDOH con referencia).
• Coordinar con centros de salud seleccionados para que sirvan como sitios de vacunación. Estos sitios sirven a las comunidades con mayor riesgo de exposición.
• Comunicarse regularmente con los proveedores de atención médica sobre el reconocimiento clínico, la recolección de muestras y la notificación de casos las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana.
• Coordinar la recolección, el transporte y el análisis de muestras en los Laboratorios Estatales de Salud de RIDOH para casos clínicamente compatibles las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana.
• Asociarse con organizaciones comunitarias y empresas que atienden a poblaciones de mayor riesgo en educación preventiva.
El Equipo Especial contra la Viruela del Mono de RIDOH incluye personal de la División de Preparación, Respuesta, Enfermedades Infecciosas y Servicios Médicos de Emergencia de RIDOH; la Oficina de Vacunación; los Laboratorios Estatales de Salud; el Instituto de Equidad en Salud; y el Centro de Comunicación de Salud Pública de RIDOH.
Síntomas de la Viruela del Mono
Los síntomas pueden incluir:
• Fiebre
• Dolor de cabeza
• Dolores musculares y de espalda
• Ganglios linfáticos inflamados
• Escalofríos
• Agotamiento
• Un sarpullido que puede parecerse a granos o ampollas que aparece en la cara, dentro de la boca y en otras partes del cuerpo, como las manos, los pies, el pecho, los genitales o el ano
• A veces, las personas tienen un sarpullido primero, seguido de otros síntomas. Otros solo experimentan una erupción. La erupción pasa por diferentes etapas antes de curarse por completo. La mayoría de las infecciones duran de dos a cuatro semanas y sanan por sí solas, pero algunos casos pueden volverse graves.
Transmisión de la Viruela del Mono
Un individuo se vuelve contagioso cuando aparecen los primeros síntomas. La transmisión ocurre a través del contacto físico cercano con fluidos corporales, lesiones de viruela del mono, artículos que han sido contaminados con fluidos o materiales lesionados (ropa, ropa de cama, etc.), o a través de gotitas respiratorias luego de un contacto cara a cara prolongado. El período infeccioso termina cuando todas las llagas en la piel han formado costras. Esto puede tomar entre dos y cuatro semanas. Las muertes y hospitalizaciones por viruela del mono son raras.
La viruela del mono es mucho menos transmisible que el COVID-19, que se propaga por el aire. A nivel nacional, muchos hombres homosexuales, hombres bisexuales y otros hombres que tienen sexo con hombres han sido diagnosticados con viruela del mono, especialmente aquellos que han reportado parejas sexuales múltiples o anónimas. RIDOH ha compartido información sobre la viruela del mono y la prevención de infecciones de transmisión sexual para este grupo en su página web "Información de salud sexual para hombres homosexuales/bisexuales y personas de género diverso". Sin embargo, las personas de cualquier orientación sexual o identidad de género pueden infectarse y propagar la viruela del mono. RIDOH insta a todos a evitar estigmatizar a un grupo o persona en particular por la viruela del mono, sino a apoyar a los que corren mayor riesgo y garantizar que todas las comunidades permanezcan vigilantes.
Prevención de la Viruela del Mono
Existe una vacuna para ayudar a prevenir la infección por el virus de la viruela del mono. Sin embargo, esta vacuna actualmente escasea a nivel nacional. El CDC está utilizando una fórmula muy específica para asignar la vacuna contra la viruela del mono a los estados, considerando factores como el tamaño de la población, el recuento actual de casos de viruela del mono y los datos históricos sobre las infecciones de transmisión sexual. Por esta razón, a Rhode Island se le ha asignado mucha menos vacuna que ha otros estados (por ejemplo, Massachusetts). En este momento, a Rhode Island solo se le ha asignado suficiente vacuna para vacunar a los contactos cercanos de los casos. La vacunación de los contactos dentro de los cuatro días posteriores a la exposición puede prevenir la enfermedad y, si se administra dentro de los 14 días posteriores a la exposición, puede reducir significativamente la gravedad de la enfermedad en caso de que la persona desarrolle la enfermedad.
Si una persona tiene síntomas, particularmente un sarpullido compatible con la viruela del mono (incluso si no cree que haya estado en contacto con alguien que tenga la viruela del mono), o si ha estado en contacto con alguien a quien le diagnosticaron la viruela del mono, debe:
• Quédese en casa y aíslese de los miembros del hogar
• Comuníquese con un proveedor de atención médica lo antes posible para una evaluación
• Evite el contacto piel con piel o el contacto cercano con otras personas, incluido el contacto sexual, hasta que se haya completado una evaluación médica.
• Informe a sus parejas sexuales sobre cualquier síntoma que esté experimentando
• Cubra la erupción con ropa limpia, seca y holgada
• Si los funcionarios de salud pública lo contactan, responda sus preguntas para ayudar a proteger a otras personas que puedan haber estado expuestas
Más información sobre la viruela del mono está disponible en http://health.ri.gov/monkeypox.
Blue-Green Algae Bloom in Elm Lake in Roger Williams Park
2022-07-08
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Elm Lake in Roger Williams Park, Providence, due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) blooms. Blue-green algae can produce toxins, including microcystins, that can harm humans and animals.
People should also be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from these waters. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after a blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
It is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Lower Melville Pond
2022-07-07
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) blooms. An advisory associated with the bloom in Upper Melville Pond (as known as Thurston Gray Pond) remains in effect. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals.
People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the ponds. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
Rhode Island Launches Participatory Budgeting Process for Health Investments
2022-06-30
As a part of work to advance health equity and strategically address social determinants of health, the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are announcing today the launch of a Participatory Budgeting pilot project. This project is being undertaken in collaboration with two Health Equity Zone (HEZ) partners (http://health.ri.gov/hez).
Participatory budgeting is a democratic process that allows community members to directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. Following a structured process, residents in each community will have the opportunity to come together to identify community needs, generate ideas on how to meet them, and then vote directly on how to spend public funds to address upstream social determinants of health and racial inequities. Winning projects will then be announced and implemented.
Between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024, $900,000 will be allocated by two Health Equity Zones (HEZs) - Central Providence Opportunities HEZ (CPO-HEZ), supported by the backbone agency ONE Neighborhood Builders, and Pawtucket Central Falls HEZ, backed by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Each HEZ will receive $450,000. Additionally, Central Providence Opportunities HEZ will deepen its impact by investing an additional $550,000 in private grant funding. The Central Providence community will, therefore, have a total of $1 million to invest through its Participatory Budgeting process.
"At EOHHS and the agencies under our umbrella, we are committed to active engagement opportunities for the communities we serve," said Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services' Acting Secretary Ana Novais. "What makes participatory budgeting different from traditional budgeting and decision-making processes is that it creates intentional space at the table for those who experience systemic racism and income inequality. It gives community members true decision-making power over real money."
"Health disparities result from underlying factors in our physical, social, political, and economic environments," said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. "It's exciting to see a project like this take root in Rhode Island. Not only do I look forward to seeing the innovative projects and solutions that come out of this work to promote health equity, but also how resident participation in the process itself enhances community cohesion, health, and wellbeing. Healthy communities are connected and collaborative communities."
Initiatives utilizing participatory budgeting have taken place in Rhode Island with great success.
"Participatory Budgeting has played such an important role in Central Falls for the past few years," said Central Falls Council President Jessica Vega. "Providing a space where residents are encouraged to think critically on how to improve the quality of life for their community. Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services' initiative of scaling up Participatory Budgeting through the Central Falls/Pawtucket and Central Providence HEZ is exciting, timely, and important to improve the health and promote equity in our communities."
New community leaders develop and emerge from the process, like Karen Figueroa, 2021 graduate of Central Falls High School and current first year student at Salve Regina University, who was a member of the first Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee in Central Falls and has been involved in participatory budgeting processes in Central Falls ever since. "Participatory budgeting grants underrepresented individuals the right to have their voices heard and allows them to be at the forefront of change in their communities," said Figueroa.
"Six years ago, Rhode Island took the transformational step toward a groundbreaking approach to address community health by creating the Health Equity Zone initiative as a mechanism to listen to residents who deeply understood the needs of their community. This place-based, community-led approach has led to important changes in service delivery and improvements in social determinants of health," said Jeanne Cola, Executive Director of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) of Rhode Island. LISC is the backbone agency for the Pawtucket Central Falls HEZ. "This participatory budgeting process -- where the community comes together to decide how funds are invested-- is the next logical step in the process of cultivating agency, transferring power, and promoting residents as agents of change."
"Community members will help shape the decision-making process, allocate resources, and build connections with each other. We believe the process of participatory budgeting is equally important as the financial investment," ONE Neighborhood Builders' Executive Director Jennifer Hawkins said. "We invite residents of 02908 and 02909 ZIP codes to contact us to learn more about how they can share the issues that impact them and work together to help fund equitable solutions."
The initial investment of $900,000 is in Health System Transformation Project (HSTP) funds. The Health System Transformation Project is Rhode Island Medicaid's signature value-based payment initiative which aims to reduce healthcare costs, improve quality of care and improve population health outcomes.
Originating in Brazil in 1989, participatory budgeting has since been implemented by governments and organizations in more than 7,000 cities worldwide and demonstrated impacts in increasing civic engagement resulting in more equitable and effective public spending.
For more information about how to get involved in the participatory processes in your city, contact:
Providence:
pb@onenb.org
Pawtucket, Central Falls:
Becki Marcus
Assistant Program Officer
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
rbmarcus2@lisc.org
RIDOH destaca eventos y servicios de pruebas en conmemoración del Día Nacional de Pruebas de VIH
2022-06-27
El 27 de junio de cada año, el Departamento de Salud de Rhode Island (RIDOH) y los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) observan el Día Nacional de la Prueba del VIH (NHTD), un día para enfatizar y fomentar la prueba del VIH.
"Todas las personas entre las edades de 13 y 64 años deben hacerse la prueba del VIH al menos una vez como parte de la atención médica de rutina", dijo el director de salud interino James McDonald, MD, MPH. "Las personas con ciertos factores de riesgo continuos, como aquellos que tienen más de una pareja sexual desde su última prueba de VIH o que tienen relaciones sexuales con alguien cuyo historial sexual no conocen, deben hacerse la prueba anualmente. Y algunas personas sexualmente activas pueden beneficiarse de pruebas más frecuentes. Alentamos a los habitantes de Rhode Island a que se hagan la prueba para que conozcan su estado serológico".
El tema del Día Nacional de la Prueba del VIH de este año es "La prueba del VIH es autocuidado". La Organización Mundial de la Salud define el autocuidado como "la capacidad de las personas, familias y comunidades para promover la salud, prevenir enfermedades, mantener la salud y hacer frente a enfermedades y discapacidades con o sin el apoyo de un proveedor de atención médica".
Según los CDC, el 13 % de los aproximadamente 1,2 millones de personas que viven actualmente con el VIH en los EE. UU. no conocen su estado. El diagnóstico y tratamiento tempranos son vitales para preservar la salud y prevenir la transmisión.
Algunas de las agencias asociadas comunitarias financiadas por RIDOH están organizando eventos de prueba para el Día Nacional de la Prueba del VIH.
• 27 de junio: AIDS Care Ocean State estará en Walgreens en 533 Elmwood Ave., Providence, de 10 a. m. a 8 p. m. ofreciendo pruebas, distribución gratuita de condones y folletos informativos. Walgreens y Greater Than AIDS, una iniciativa de información pública de KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation), se están asociando con departamentos de salud y organizaciones comunitarias en más de 250 ciudades, incluida Providence, para organizar el evento coordinado más grande del Día Nacional de la Prueba del VIH (NHTD) en la Nación.
• 27 de junio: Project Weber/RENEW ofrecerá pruebas de VIH gratuitas en sus centros de acogida, ubicados en 124 Broad Street, Pawtucket y 640 Broad Street, Providence, así como en Amos House Block Party, 460 Pine Street, Providence de 11am a 3pm. Hay tarjetas de regalo de $10 disponibles para las personas que se hacen la prueba.
Por separado, RIDOH ha creado un programa Testing 1-2-3 para ayudar a los habitantes de Rhode Island a hacerse la prueba del VIH y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) sin tener que ir al consultorio de un médico. Con el programa TESTING 1-2-3, RIDOH ha hecho que las pruebas de VIH e ITS sean lo más fáciles posible en tres pasos:
1. Complete el formulario en línea.
2. Diríjase al laboratorio clínico que haya elegido (nota: este no es un servicio gratuito).
3. Los resultados de las pruebas se le enviarán por correo electrónico.
La orden del médico se genera automáticamente y se envía al laboratorio clínico que la persona solicita en el formulario. Para obtener más información sobre las pruebas 1-2-3, visite https://www.testing123ri.com [testing123ri.com]. Los habitantes de Rhode Island interesados en la prueba del VIH en el hogar pueden solicitar un kit de prueba del VIH en el hogar en línea a través de AIDS Project Rhode Island en https://aidsprojectri.org/get-tested/at-home/ [aidsprojectri.org]
Según lo exige la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio, la prueba de detección del VIH está cubierta por el seguro médico. Para las personas sin seguro, las pruebas gratuitas están disponibles en muchos centros de salud comunitarios y otros lugares. Visite http://health.ri.gov/hiv y http://health.ri.gov/sti para obtener más información. Para obtener información en español, visite http://health.ri.gov/vih y http://health.ri.gov/ets. Los horarios y lugares para los servicios de pruebas gratuitas y confidenciales de VIH y hepatitis C también se pueden encontrar en los sitios web de AIDS Care Ocean State, AIDS Project Rhode Island y Project Weber/RENEW para conocer los horarios de las pruebas gratuitas.
RIDOH para cualquier persona en Rhode Island. Para pedir condones gratis entregados por correo, visite http://health.ri.gov/findcondoms. También puede llamar al Departamento de Salud de Rhode Island para obtener más información y lugares de prueba al 401-222-5960.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Roosevelt Pond and Tiogue Lake
2022-06-27
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Roosevelt Pond in Roger Williams Park in Providence and Tiogue Lake in Coventry due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) blooms. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals and toxins were present in recent samples at both sites.
People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the ponds. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible, to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Upper Melville Pond and Turner Reservoir
2022-06-24
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Upper Melville Pond in Portsmouth and Turner Reservoir in East Providence due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) blooms. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. While toxin production is variable during blooms, the sample from Turner Reservoir did have a potentially harmful level of a cyanotoxin.
People should be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the ponds. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Animals who may ingest pond water are especially at risk from exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach-ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with pond waters and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
Blue-green algae blooms may also be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese.
For more information and a list of current and historical advisories, go to http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen Please send reports of suspected blue-green algae blooms, along with photographs, if possible to DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov.
RIDOH Highlights Testing Events and Services in Observance of National HIV Testing Day
2022-06-24
On June 27th each year, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) observe National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), a day to emphasize and encourage HIV testing.
"Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare," said Interim Health Director James McDonald, MD, MPH. "People with certain ongoing risk factors - such as having more than one sex partner since their last HIV test or having sex with someone whose sexual history they don't know - should get tested annually. And some sexually active people may benefit from more frequent testing. Not knowing is not knowing. Get tested so you know your status."
This year's National HIV Testing Day theme is "HIV Testing is Self-care." Self-care is defined by the World Health Organization as "the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider."
According to the CDC, 13% of the estimated 1.2 million people in the U.S. living with HIV today are not aware of their status. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to preserving health and preventing transmission.
Some of RIDOH's funded community partner agencies are holding testing events for National HIV Testing Day.
• June 25th: AIDS Care Ocean State will be offering free, rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing, free condom distribution and informational pamphlets at the first West Warwick Pride event at the West Warwick Civic Center from noon until 4 p.m.
• June 27th: AIDS Care Ocean State will be at Walgreens at 533 Elmwood Ave., Providence, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. offering testing, free condom distribution, and informational pamphlets. Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS, a public information initiative of KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation), are teaming up with health departments and community organizations in more than 250 cities, including Providence, to host the largest coordinated National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) event in the nation.
• June 27th: Project Weber/RENEW will be offering free HIV testing at its drop-in centers, located at 124 Broad Street, Pawtucket and 640 Broad Street, Providence, as well as at the Amos House Block Party, 460 Pine Street, Providence from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $10 gift cards are available for people getting tested.
Separately, RIDOH has created a Testing 1-2-3 program to help Rhode Islanders get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without a trip to a doctor's office. With the TESTING 1-2-3 program, RIDOH has made HIV and STI testing as easy as possible in three steps:
1. Complete the online form.
2. Go to the clinical laboratory you have chosen (note: this is not a free service).
3. Results of the tests will be sent to you via e-mail.
The physician's order is automatically generated and sent to the clinical lab that the person requests on the form. For more information about Testing 1-2-3, visit https://www.testing123ri.com [testing123ri.com]. For information in Spanish, visit https://bit.ly/pruebas123RI [bit.ly]. Rhode Islanders interested in at-home HIV testing may request an in-home HIV test kit online through AIDS Project Rhode Island at https://aidsprojectri.org/get-tested/at-home/ [aidsprojectri.org]
As required under the Affordable Care Act, HIV screening is covered by health insurance. For uninsured people, free testing is available at many community health centers and other locations. Visit http://health.ri.gov/hiv and http://health.ri.gov/sti to learn more. For information in Spanish, visit http://health.ri.gov/vih and http://health.ri.gov/ets. Hours and locations for free, confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing services can also be found on the websites of AIDS Care Ocean State, AIDS Project Rhode Island, and Project Weber/RENEW to learn about free testing hours.
Free condoms are available from RIDOH to anyone in Rhode Island. To order free condoms delivered by mail, visit http://health.ri.gov/findcondoms. You may also call the Rhode Island Department of Health for more information and testing locations at 401-222-5960.
Daily Harvest Recalls French Lentil + Leek Crumbles
2022-06-24
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Daily Harvest is recalling all French Lentil + Leek Crumbles due to consumer reports of gastrointestinal illness and potential liver function issues.
From April 28 to June 17, 2022, approximately 28,000 units of the recalled product were distributed to consumers in the United States through online sales and direct delivery, as well as through retail sales in Illinois and California. Daily Harvest directly notified by email those consumers who were shipped the affected product. Consumers who may still have the recalled product in their freezers should immediately dispose of it.
French Lentil + Leek Crumbles is a frozen product packaged in a 12 oz. white pouch with the words "Daily Harvest" at the top, a large "CRUMBLES" immediately below the top and the words "French Lentil + Leek" in bold (see attached). All lot codes of the French Lentil + Leek Crumbles are affected. No other Daily Harvest products are affected or part of this recall.
To date, the company has received approximately 470 reports of illness or adverse reactions. A root cause investigation is ongoing.
This recall is being made in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Consumers who have questions or would like to report adverse reactions should contact Daily Harvest by email at crumbles-recall@daily-harvest.com by calling 1-888-302-0305 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
CDC Updates COVID-19 Community Levels for Rhode Island Counties
2022-06-24
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the COVID-19 community levels for Rhode Island's counties. Case and hospitalization metrics for all Rhode Island counties are now designated as "low." All five Rhode Island counties previously had the "medium" designation.
Each week the CDC identifies the COVID-19 community level in every county in the country as "low," "medium," or "high" using case rates and data on hospital admissions and percentage of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. (There can be a lag in updating the map by county on CDC's website.) The CDC has recommendations by community level available online. Regardless of the designation of someone's county, everyone should get tested if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. (This means getting the recommended booster dose when you are eligible.)
Governor McKee Statement on Interim Director of Health
2022-06-23
Governor Dan McKee today announced the appointment of Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH as Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).
"Dr. Bandy has vast experience as a public health leader and infectious disease epidemiologist in Rhode Island. She has been at the center of our state's COVID-19 response and dozens of other major public health initiatives over the last three decades," said Governor McKee. "In addition to her work in infectious disease, she has extensive knowledge of preventive services and health promotion. Her steady hand will be critical as we continue getting as many Rhode Islanders vaccinated against COVID-19 as possible, and as we try to make Rhode Island the healthiest place in the country to live, work, and play."
Dr. Bandy currently serves as the Director of RIDOH's Division of Preparedness, Response, Infectious Disease, and Emergency Medical Services. She has led RIDOH's infectious disease division since 2012. In that time, she has helped steer the State's response to the COVID-19 and H1N1 global pandemics, and she has led efforts to prevent or control outbreaks of diseases of significant concern, including tuberculosis, measles, rabies, and meningococcal disease. She has helped guide efforts to dramatically reduce rates of new HIV infections over the last 30 years in Rhode Island, and manages the federal grants received by RIDOH to do routine infectious disease surveillance and response work.
"Rhode Island has one of the best public health workforces in the country, thanks to the talented professionals at RIDOH and the community partnerships that we have developed over the years," said Dr. Bandy. "I look forward to partnering with Governor McKee and his team to support the crucial work happening throughout the Department to promote healthy living in every community throughout the state."
Dr. Bandy completed a pediatric residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She holds a Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard University School of Public Health. She joined RIDOH in 1993 as Rhode Island's State Epidemiologist and the Medical Director for the division that oversaw RIDOH's infectious disease prevention and control work. She became the Director of RIDOH's Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology in 2012.
Dr. Bandy will assume the role of Interim Director on Sunday, June 26. Dr. McDonald's last day of state service will be July 29.
Governor McKee and Dr. Bandy will be available for a media availability next week.
Freshpet Recalls One Lot of Dog Food
2022-06-20
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising pet owners that Freshpet is recalling one lot of Freshpet Select Fresh From the Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe (4.5 lb. bag), with the sell by date of 10/29/22, due to potential contamination with Salmonella.
This product was sold in several states, including Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Vermont, West Virginia, Alabama, and Georgia.
Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans when handling contaminated products, notably children, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised.
This is especially true if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider.
Dogs with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some dogs will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy dogs can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your dog has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
If pet parents have products matching the following description and sell by date in their possession, they should stop feeding it to their dogs and dispose of it immediately.
RIDOH Recommends Reopening Gooseberry Beach for Swimming
2022-06-12
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Gooseberry Beach in Newport for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality regularly to ensure safe bathing throughout the summer season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH's beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).
RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Almy Pond
2022-06-09
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Almy Pond in Newport due to a blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the pond. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals.
People should also be careful not to ingest water or eat fish from the pond. All recreation, including fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins, so owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae commonly causes irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing algal toxins include stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at a particular risk for health effects associated with algal toxins. People who have had contact with Almy Pond and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If you come into contact with the water, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. Similarly, if your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning, including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People are cautioned that toxins may persist in the water after the blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
It is possible that blue-green algae blooms may be affecting other waterbodies in Rhode Island. People are advised to avoid contact with waterbodies that exhibit bright green coloration in the water or at the water surface and/or dense floating algal mats that form on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM's Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom.
RIDOH Announces Probable Case of Monkeypox; Risk to Rhode Islanders Remains Low
2022-06-09
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced the first probable monkeypox case in a male in his thirties and a resident of Providence County. The person has tested positive for an orthopox virus, and confirmation for monkeypox is pending testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This case is believed to be related to travel to Massachusetts.
RIDOH is conducting contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the patient while he was infectious. Contacts will be monitored by RIDOH for three weeks after their last day of exposure. This contact tracing approach is the most appropriate given the nature and transmission of the virus. The individual is hospitalized and in good condition.
To protect patient privacy, no further information will be provided. RIDOH is identifying and monitoring the patient's close contacts. No additional positive cases have been detected in Rhode Island.
"While monkeypox is certainly a concern, the risk to Rhode Islanders remains low - even with this finding. Monkeypox is a known - and remains an exceedingly uncommon - disease in the United States. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for monkeypox that can be given before or after exposure to help prevent infection," said Interim Health Director James McDonald, MD, MPH. "RIDOH continues to engage in active case finding and we have been communicating the latest information with healthcare providers so that they have the information they need to help us 'identify, isolate, and inform'."
Monkeypox is not known to spread easily among humans; transmission generally does not occur through casual contact. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with body fluids, including the rash caused by monkeypox. Transmission might also occur through prolonged, close, face-to-face contact. The time from someone becoming infected to showing symptoms for monkeypox is usually 7?14 days but can range from 5?21 days. Infected people are not contagious before they show symptoms.
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. Infected people develop a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body, that turns into fluid-filled bumps (pox). These pox lesions eventually dry up, scab over, and fall off. The illness typically lasts 2?4 weeks. Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox, though the limited evidence available indicates that smallpox treatments may be useful. Most people recover with no treatment.
Anyone who has symptoms of monkeypox should call their healthcare provider before going to the office for an appointment. Let them know you are concerned about possible monkeypox infection so they can take precautions to ensure that others are not exposed.
CDC is also tracking multiple clusters of monkeypox that have been reported in recent weeks in several countries that don't normally report monkeypox, including Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. While anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected monkeypox case can acquire monkeypox, people who have recently traveled to a country where monkeypox has been reported or men who have sex with other men are currently at a higher risk for monkeypox exposure. It is important to avoid stigmatizing any groups that may be considered at higher risk of exposure to the disease.
Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can spread monkeypox through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or shared items (such as clothing and bedding) that have been contaminated with fluids or sores of a person with monkeypox. Monkeypox virus can also spread between people through respiratory droplets typically in a close setting, such as the same household or a healthcare setting. Common household disinfectants can kill the monkeypox virus.
RIDOH Recommends Closing Gooseberry Beach for Swimming
2022-06-08
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Gooseberry Beach in Newport for swimming because of high bacteria levels.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality regularly to ensure safe bathing throughout the summer season. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH's beaches telephone line (401-222-2751).
Rhode Island Department of Health Announces Endemic Strategy for COVID-19 Vaccination, Testing
2022-06-07
As part of its strategy to address COVID-19 as a manageable endemic disease, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is announcing its plan for the transition of State-supported testing and vaccination to traditional partners and settings for providing COVID-19 services. COVID-19 services, like testing and vaccination, are now widely available through multiple accessible channels, similar to how services for other endemic diseases are made available to the public.
"Shifting these resources into our existing public health infrastructure means that COVID-19 is causing fewer disruptions to everyday life, and that ongoing COVID-19 vaccination and testing efforts can be managed by our provider partners who traditionally offer these services to Rhode Islanders," said Interim Director of Health James McDonald MD, MPH. "While this is an important step toward managing COVID-19 as an endemic disease, it is still important to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines for the best protection. Now, you can easily do that at your doctor's office or a pharmacy, just like you would for the flu."
Vaccination Resources
The COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be widely available at no out-of-pocket cost across Rhode Island through various channels. State-run COVID-19 community vaccination clinics and at-home vaccination services will be available through June 30, 2022. You can find a clinic near you at C19VaccineRI.org [c19vaccineri.org] by clicking on Upcoming Community Vaccination Clinics. Beginning July 1, people who want to get vaccinated or boosted can call their healthcare providers or use other options available at C19VaccineRI.org [c19vaccineri.org], such as retail pharmacies and Vaccines.gov [vaccines.gov].
If there is an increase in demand for COVID-19 vaccine that Rhode Island's long-standing, traditional health care infrastructure cannot support, the State is fully prepared to re-engage State-supported vaccination sites.
Community partners who want to hold vaccination clinics can email RIDOH's Office of Immunization at RIDOH.C19VaxClinics@health.ri.gov. RIDOH will provide a list of mass immunizers that can best meet your community's needs. This is similar to how RIDOH supports flu clinics. In addition, community partners who want to facilitate at-home vaccination services for their patients or community members can also use this list to identify immunizers who can provide at-home vaccination.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccine in Rhode Island, visit C19VaccineRI.org [c19vaccineri.org].
Testing Resources
Pending a final evaluation of public health conditions later this month, testing will transition from State-run COVID-19 test sites to multiple traditional health care channels and self-testing options on July 1, 2022. The State is fully prepared to reopen certain mass testing sites for symptomatic individuals if COVID-19 Community Levels are high. If most of the State moves to the "high" Community Level at the end of the month, sites will remain open until Community Levels return to medium.
COVID-19 testing will continue to be widely available across the state. There are many places where Rhode Islanders are able to access free COVID-19 testing. Federal programs are available to support access to free COVID-19 testing for people without health insurance. If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who tested positive, call your primary care provider or your child's pediatrician. Ask if they offer COVID-19 testing in their office or if they can order a test through a laboratory. Other testing options include:
• Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) for COVID-19: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ICATT program can help you find where to get a free COVID-19 laboratory test whether or not you have insurance.
• Test To Treat Program: Through this program, people can get tested and - if they're positive and treatments are appropriate for them - get a prescription from a healthcare provider, and have their prescription filled all at one location. A?Test to Treat locator?is available to help find participating sites. A call center is also available at?1-800-232-0233?to get help in multiple languages.
• Self-test distribution program: You can order free COVID-19 tests through the mail by visiting covidtests.gov [covidtests.gov]. You won't be asked for insurance or payment information when you order your free tests. If you have health insurance, you can also purchase self-test kits online or at local pharmacies and get reimbursed for up to eight tests per month. Contact your insurance carrier for more information.
• Some local pharmacies and clinics offer free COVID-19 testing to people who don't have health insurance. These locations may only test you if have symptoms or are a close contact of someone who tested positive. If you don't have insurance, the pharmacy or clinic will submit the cost of your test to a federal program for the uninsured.
For more information on COVID-19 testing in Rhode Island, visit http://covid.ri.gov/testing.
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McKee Administration Provides Update on Baby Formula from the UK and Australia
2022-06-07
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) was notified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the baby formula from the United Kingdom and Australia is approved and determined to be a healthy alternate formula for use in the United States. (This shipment is expected to help mitigate the impacts of the ongoing, national formula shortage.) The first batch of formula includes Kendamil Classic, Kendamil organic formula, and seven types of Bubs brand formula, and is expected to be in Target stores in Rhode Island this week.
"We are grateful that the United Kingdom and Australia's formula manufacturers were able to make these products available to families here in Rhode Island and the United States, through the President's Operation Fly Formula," said Governor Dan McKee.
"Although the labels look a little different, this formula has been approved by the federal government and is safe for parents to use," said Interim Director of Health James McDonald, MD, MPH. "This is just the first batch of formula that will be available soon in retail stores. More is coming. Please buy just what you need, as we want to assure that everyone has the chance to buy some."
Anyone with questions about which formula to use should call RIDOH's Health Information Line at 401-222-5960 or their child's pediatrician.
Just like formula that is made in the US, parents should follow the manufacturer's directions on how to prepare it. Directions on these cans of formula use metric measurements. The conversion from milliliters (mL) to fluid ounces is:
1 fluid ounce = 30 mL
2 fluid ounces = 60 mL
3 fluid ounces = 90 mL
4 fluid ounces = 120 mL
5 fluid ounces = 150 mL
6 fluid ounces = 180 mL
7 fluid ounces = 210 mL
8 fluid ounces = 240 mL
Details on products
--Kendamil EU Classic First Infant Milk Stage 1; 900 g/31.75 oz.; Similar to US standard infant formulas like Similac Advance or Enfamil Neuro PRO;
Kendamil Stage 1 is only for infants up to six months
--Kendamil EU Organic First Milk Infant Milk Stage 1; 800 g/28.22 oz.; Similar to US standard infant organic formulas like Similac Organic; Kendamil Stage 1 is only used for infants up to six months
--Kendamil EU Goat First Milk Infant Milk Stage 1; 800 g/28.22 oz.; No US equivalent
--Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula Stage 1; 800 g/28.19 oz.; Similar to US standard infant organic formulas like Similac Organic; Bubs Stage 1 is only used for infants up to six months
--Bubs Organic Grass Fed Follow-On Formula Stage 2; 800 g/28.19 oz.; Similar to US standard infant organic formulas like Similac Organic; Bubs Stage 2 is only used for infants age six to 12 months
--Bubs Supreme A2 Beta-Casein Protein Infant Formula Stage 1; 800 g/28.19 oz.; Similar to US Similac Organic because both Bubs and Similac contain A2 beta casein milk protein. Stage 1 formula is only used for infants up to six months
--Bubs Supreme A2 Beta-Casein Protein Follow-On Formula Stage 2; 800 g/28.19 oz; Similar to US Similac Organic because both Bubs and Similac contain A2 beta casein milk protein. Stage 2 formula is only used for infants age six to 12 months.
--Bubs Easy-digest Goat Milk Infant Formula Stage 1; 800 g/28.19 oz.; No US equivalent
--Bubs Easy-digest Goat Milk Infant Formula Stage 2; 800 g/28.19 oz.; No US equivalent
CDC Updates COVID-19 Community Levels for Rhode Island Counties
2022-06-03
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the COVID-19 community levels for Rhode Island's counties. The one area that had been designated as "high" - Newport County is now considered "medium." All other areas in Rhode Island - Bristol County, Kent County, Providence County, and Washington County remain at "medium".
Each week the CDC identifies the COVID-19 community level in every county in the country as "low," "medium," or "high" using case rates and data on hospital admissions and percentage of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. In counties designated as "high," the CDC recommends people wear high-quality masks while in indoor public settings. Regardless of the designation of someone's county, everyone should get tested if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. (This means getting the recommended booster dose when you are eligible.)
The full recommendations by community level from the CDC are available online.
COVID-19 Booster Dose Availability and Recommendations
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding families that booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for children 5 through 11 years of age in Rhode Island. National and local health experts are now recommending booster doses for everyone age 5 or older. (Previously, boosters were only recommended for people age 12 and older.)
The CDC recommends that children ages 5 through 11 get a booster dose of Pfizer vaccine at least five months after their primary series. Children age 5 through 11 with moderately to severely compromised immune systems should get a booster dose at least three months after their additional dose.
To find a Pfizer booster dose near you, talk to your child's pediatrician or visit C19VaccineRI.org.
The CDC has also strengthened their recommendations for second boosters, stating that people age 50 or older and people age 12 or older who have moderately to severely compromised immune systems should get a second booster at least four months after their first booster. (Previously, CDC stated that people in these groups had the option to get a second booster.)
Only mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are authorized for us as second boosters. Currently, only Pfizer has COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use by people younger than 16.
FDA Announces Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Potentially Linked to Fresh, Organic Strawberries
2022-05-31
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that the FDA, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Canadian and local public health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of hepatitis A in the United States and Canada potentially linked to fresh, organic strawberries.
The strawberries were sold under the brand name FreshKampo and HEB and were sold between March 5, 2022, and April 25, 2022. The strawberries were sold at retail locations, including, but not limited to, Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe's, Walmart, Weis Markets, and WinCo Foods.
The potentially impacted strawberries are past their shelf life; however, consumers may have purchased the strawberries and frozen them for later use. Consumers should check their freezer to see if they have any strawberries from FreshKampo and/or HEB.
• If you have these strawberries in your freezer, do not eat them. Throw them away.
• If you do not know what brand of strawberries you bought or where you bought them, you should throw the strawberries away.
• In the last two weeks, if you have eaten fresh, organic strawberries branded as FreshKampo or HEB purchased between March 5 and April 25 and are not vaccinated against hepatitis A, call your healthcare provider immediately and ask if you need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP can prevent hepatitis A if given within 14 days of exposure. Anyone who has already had the hepatitis A vaccination or has had hepatitis A before does not need PEP.
To date, there have been no reported illnesses in Rhode Island associated with this investigation.
Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool. Sometimes, especially in children younger than six, the individual has no symptoms. People with hepatitis A infections usually completely recover within one to two weeks; however, in rare cases, hepatitis A may become chronic. Chronic hepatitis A infection can lead to more severe health problems, including liver failure, and death.
If you have symptoms of hepatitis A and have eaten fresh, organic strawberries in the last two weeks, contact your healthcare provider.
Additional Peanut Butter Products Recalled
2022-05-27
In connection with the J. M. Smucker Co. Jif peanut butter recall announced earlier this week, additional products containing this peanut better are being recalled.
• Fudgeamentals is recalling fudge made with Jif peanut butter, packaged in 8 oz. plastic containers and 16 oz. plastic trays. These products were shipped to Walmart locations nationwide. More information about this recall is available online. (See link below)
• Fresh Del Monte is recalling fresh-cut fruit and vegetable products containing ready-to-eat Jif peanut butter dip. The specific products being recalled are Del Monte Apples with Peanut Butter (5 oz.), Peanut Butter Snack Pack (4.25 oz.), Apples and Peanut Butter (6 oz. and 5.5 oz.), and Sandwich with Peanut Butter Cup. These products were shipped to Walmart, Stop & Shop, and Dave's Marketplace locations. More information about this recall is available online. (See link below.)
Consumers who purchased these items are urged to not consume them and to dispose of them or return them to their local store.
The initial Jif recall was related to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Rhode Islanders Reminded to be Prepared for Harmful Algae Blooms this Summer
2022-05-27
With the weather turning warmer and recreational activities on lakes, ponds, and rivers set to increase, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are reminding all Rhode Islanders to be on the lookout for harmful algae blooms.
In freshwaters, blooms are caused by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which are naturally present in bodies of water. Increased temperatures, slow moving water, and excessive amounts of nutrients cause the cyanobacteria to grow excessively and create potential for harmful blooms. These algae blooms are capable of producing toxins, which can be harmful to humans and animals.
RIDOH and DEM work to collaboratively screen and respond to conditions indicating a harmful algae bloom is developing and issue recreational advisories when thresholds are met. Initial site visits this week indicated that Almy Pond in Newport is experiencing an algae bloom. Confirmation sampling for laboratory analysis is planned. During an algae bloom, all recreation including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking should be avoided. People also should not ingest untreated water or eat fish from affected waterbodies. Pets owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in this water. State and local officials post warnings around bodies of water when harmful algae blooms are present. However, members of the public should be on the lookout for these harmful blooms and know to avoid affected waters, should they encounter a bloom before warnings have been posted.
Affected waters may be bright to dark green in color and have dense, floating algal mats on the water's surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. Should these conditions be observed, it is best to refrain from contact with the water and keep pets from entering the water.
Skin contact with water containing blue-green algae can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Common health effects associated with ingesting water containing blue-green algae include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Rarer health effects include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at particular risk for health effects associated with harmful algae blooms (because they are more likely to swallow water when in or around bodies of water).
If you come into contact with water affected by a harmful algae bloom, rinse your skin with clean water as soon as possible and, when you get home, take a shower and wash your clothes. If your pet comes into contact with the water, immediately wash your pet with clean water. Do not let the animal lick algae off its fur. Call a veterinarian if your animal shows any symptoms of blue-green algae poisoning including loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexplained sickness that occurs within a day or so after being in contact with water. People who have had contact with water with algae blooms and who experience the symptoms described above should contact a healthcare provider.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM's Office of Water Resources at 222-4700 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom. For a list of current advisories, visit: http://www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen
CDC Updates COVID-19 Community Levels for Rhode Island Counties
2022-05-26
Updates provided on COVID-19 booster dose availability and recommendations
CDC Community Levels
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the COVID-19 community levels for Rhode Island's counties. The areas that had been designated as "high" - Bristol County, Kent County, Providence County, and Washington County - are now considered "medium." Newport County, which was "medium," is now designated as "high."
Each week the CDC identifies the COVID-19 community level in every county in the country as "low," "medium," or "high" using case rates and data on hospital admissions and percentage of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. In counties designated as "high," the CDC recommends people wear high-quality masks while in indoor public settings. Regardless of the designation of someone's county, everyone should get tested if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. (This means getting the recommended booster dose when you are eligible.)
The full recommendations by community level from the CDC are available online (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html [cdc.gov]).
COVID-19 Booster Dose Availability and Recommendations
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding families that booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine are now available for children 5 through 11 years of age in Rhode Island. National and local health experts are now recommending booster doses for everyone 5 years of age and older. (Previously, boosters were only recommended for people age 12 and older.)
The CDC recommends that children ages 5 through 11 get a booster dose of Pfizer vaccine at least five months after their primary series. Children ages 5 through 11 with moderately to severely compromised immune systems should get a booster dose at least three months after their additional dose.
To find a Pfizer booster dose near you, talk to your child's pediatrician or visit C19VaccineRI.org.
The CDC has also strengthened their recommendations for second boosters, stating that people age 50 or older and people age 12 or older who have moderately to severely compromised immune systems should get a second booster at least four months after their first booster. (Previously, CDC stated that people in these groups had the option to get a second booster.)
Only mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are authorized for us as second boosters. Currently, only Pfizer has COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use by people younger than 16.
More information about COVID-19 is available at https://covid.ri.gov/.
Additional Peanut Butter Products Recalled
2022-05-25
In connection with the J. M. Smucker Co. Jif peanut butter recall announced earlier this week, 11 store-prepared items are being recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination
These products include Readymeals PB & Trail Mix Snacks, which were sold at Shaw's and Star Market locations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. A list with descriptions of the 11 store-prepared products in available online. (See link below.)
Consumers who have purchased these items are urged not to consume these products and to dispose of them or return the items to their local store for a full refund.
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
J. M. Smucker Recalling Certain Jif Peanut Butter Products
2022-05-23
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that J. M. Smucker Co. is recalling select Jif peanut butter products due to potential Salmonella contamination.
The recalled peanut butter was distributed nationwide in retail stores and other outlets. The recalled products have lot codes 1274425 - 2140425. Lot codes are printed alongside the products' best-if-used-by date. More information about these products is available online. (See link below.)
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
If consumers have these products, they should dispose of them immediately. Consumers who have questions should visit www.jif.com/contact-usExternal [jif.com] or call 800-828-9980 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM ET.
Rhode Islanders Reminded About Heat Precautions
2022-05-20
In advance of the heat expected this weekend, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding all Rhode Islanders about safety tips to keep themselves healthy and safe.
Normally, when you get hot, your body cools itself by sweating. But when it is very hot and humid, sweating isn't enough, and your body temperature can rise very quickly. High temperatures can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps. Certain populations are at increased risk for heat-related illness during periods of extreme heat. These populations include babies and young children, older adults, and people who work outdoors.
When you are outside during extreme heat:
• Stay out of the direct sun.
• Try to stay in shaded areas.
• Pace yourself when you exercise.
• Schedule outdoor events early in the morning, when it is cooler and the air quality is better.
• Wear light-colored and light-weight clothing.
• Wear a hat with a brim and wear sunscreen for protection. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
When you are inside during extreme heat:
• Use air conditioning or fans, windows, and shades or curtains to keep your house cool.
• Take cool showers or baths. Avoid cooking hot food indoors when the day is at its hottest.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Never leave a child, pet, or older adults in an unattended car during periods of extreme heat.
Watch for warning signs:
Check on friends, family, and neighbors during periods of extreme heat. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting, tiredness; dizziness; headache. If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place; put a cool, wet cloth on their body; have them sip water. Call medical help if symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour.
More information:
Some cities and towns have cooling centers open to those who need shelter during periods of extreme heat. To find a cooling center near you, call 2-1-1 or visit: https://riema.ri.gov/planning-mitigation/resources-businesses/cooling-centers
For more information, see RIDOH's page on Extreme Heat https://health.ri.gov/healthrisks/extremeheat/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page on Extreme Heat https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html [cdc.gov]
CDC Updates COVID-19 Community Levels for Rhode Island Counties
2022-05-19
RIDOH continues to promote "7 Tools for Protection Against COVID-19"
Mirroring increases being seen throughout the region and country, the COVID-19 community levels in four Rhode Island counties are now designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as "high" - Bristol County, Kent County, Providence County, and Washington County.
Each week the CDC identifies the COVID-19 community level in every county in the country as "low," "medium," or "high" using case rates and data on hospital admissions and percentage of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. In counties designated as "high," the CDC recommends people wear high-quality masks while in indoor public settings. The full recommendations by community level from the CDC are available online (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html [cdc.gov]).
Rhode Island has seen increases in cases and hospitalizations over the last several weeks. However, these data are still considerably lower than they have been at prior points in the pandemic. Given the availability of COVID-19 tools and resources in Rhode Island, such as vaccines and treatment, these numbers are not expected to reach the levels of Rhode Island's January surge.
"With COVID-19 now an endemic disease in Rhode Island, we should expect moderate increases and decreases in our COVID-19 levels over the coming months. However, serious illness from COVID-19 is now largely a preventable, treatable disease because of the tools and resources we have," said James McDonald, MD, MPH, the Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). "Taking a few simple prevention steps when more COVID-19 is circulating, such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings and getting a booster dose, can help keep you and your loved ones safe."
When you wear a mask you protect the people around you, and a high-quality mask also provides the wearer with protection. Booster doses significantly increase your protection against COVID-19. If you are boosted, you are 55 times less likely to be hospitalized because of COVID-19.
In addition to these recommendations from CDC by community level, RIDOH has unveiled "7 Tools for Protection Against COVID-19" (see image at: https://health.ri.gov/publications/toolkits/Seven-tools-protection-against-covid-19.pdf). Using a Prevent, Detect, Treat framework, this simple guide will help all Rhode Islanders limit or prevent the spread of COVID-19 at home and in the community.
7 Tools for Protection Against COVID-19
Prevent
• Vaccination - Stay up to date with your vaccines and recommended boosters.
• Ventilation - Outdoor or well-ventilated areas are safest.
• Masking - Wear a high-quality mask in crowded indoor se¬ttings.
Detect
• Symptom screening - Watch for symptoms after travel or large gatherings.
• Testing - Get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed.
Treat
• Isolation - Stay away from others if you test positive.
• Treatment - Ask a healthcare provider about treatment if you test positive.
Detailed data about COVID-19 in Rhode Island is available online (https://ri-department-of-health-covid-19-data-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com/ [ri-department-of-health-covid-19-data-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com]). Additional information about booster doses, treatment, and other COVID-19 tools and resources are also available online at https://covid.ri.gov.
RIDOH Announces 2023-2027 Hepatitis C Elimination Plan: Cases Increasing, Rhode Islanders advised of new Hep C screening guidelines
2022-05-18
During Hepatitis Awareness Month, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and partners statewide are rolling out plans to raise awareness about hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C as major public health threats and are encouraging all Rhode Island adults and pregnant women to get tested for hepatitis C at least once.
RIDOH is sharing the CDC's new hepatitis C testing recommendations in advance of Hepatitis Testing Day, which is May 19th. People with risk factors should be tested regularly. An estimated 2.4 million people are living with hepatitis C in the U.S. People can live with hepatitis C without symptoms or feeling sick, but it is a leading cause of liver cancer and liver transplants. If untreated, hepatitis C can cause significant liver disease which is why it's important to get tested. Getting tested for hepatitis C is important, because treatments can cure most people with hepatitis C in eight to 12 weeks.
Rhode Islanders can talk to their primary care providers about getting tested for hepatitis C. Additionally, Project Weber/RENEW will be holding free and confidential testing events at its two drop-in centers (124 Broad St., Pawtucket, and 640 Broad St., Providence) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, May 19th.
RIDOH, the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC), and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services' (EOHHS) Medicaid Office, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Hepatitis Action Coalition (RIHAC), this month published a new multi-year strategic plan to eliminate hepatitis C virus in Rhode Island.
According to data published in the new Rhode Island Hepatitis C Elimination Plan: 2023-2027, hepatitis C was a leading infectious disease case of death in Rhode Island between 2015 and 2019. The state ranks 10th overall in prevalence of hepatitis C per capita and 10th in the prevalence of the disease among non-Hispanic Black/African Americans per capita. Of the more than three million people in the United States who are living with hepatitis C, 75% were born between 1945 and 1965. Baby boomers have a 1 in 30 chance of infection.
"We have a bold, five year-plan to eliminate hepatitis C in Rhode Island," said Acting EOHHS Secretary, Ana Novais. "Our collective actions have already made a big impact on this State. By working with our stakeholders, including those with lived experience and policy makers, we have identified all the building blocks needed for this robust public health intervention."
"Thousands of people in Rhode Island are living with hepatitis C without knowing it, and hepatitis C cases are on the rise nationally. We strongly recommend that every adult Rhode Islander follow the CDC's recommendation and get checked for hepatitis C," said Interim Director of Health James McDonald, MD, MPH. "RIDOH is pleased to partner with the State's Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Department of Corrections, and advocates from the Rhode Island Hepatitis C Action Coalition on our State's ambitious plan to make Rhode Island a national leader in hepatitis C elimination."
This plan is being developed to strengthen cross-sector partnerships to improve current systems and address gaps related to the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis C. Several developments in the field of hepatitis C have emerged in recent years that will play important roles in the roll-out of this strategic plan.
These developments include:
• Increased funding to RIDOH from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to invest in HCV surveillance and prevention activities.
• Increased federal funding and focus on overdose prevention among people who use drugs, creating opportunities to expand harm reduction and hepatitis C testing for this high priority population.
• Passage of State legislation to create harm reduction centers and to ensure privacy and confidentiality of health services.
• Elimination of Medicaid restrictions related to access to antiviral therapies.
• Updated clinical guidelines and recommendations for routine opt-out screening in clinical settings, including hepatitis C screening at least once in a lifetime for all adults 18 years and older.
• Expansion of access to hepatitis C clinical care for high-priority populations, e.g., in correctional settings, opioid treatment provider sites, and high-risk neighborhoods.
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, a blood-borne virus that is not spread through casual contact. It is not a classic sexually transmitted infection. Hepatitis C is only spread when blood from another person who has hepatitis C gets put into the bloodstream of another person. Some people acquired hepatitis C via a blood transfusion before 1992, or via hemodialysis. Others become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs.
RIDOH continues to work to end the hepatitis C epidemic in Rhode Island by funding community partners to provide free and confidential rapid hepatitis C screening to anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to hepatitis C. As highlighted in the Hepatitis C Elimination Plan, Rhode Island has one of the most comprehensive statewide community-based programs in the nation to prevent hepatitis C transmission among people who use drugs. RIDOH works closely with ENCORE, the state's needle-exchange program, to provide brand new needles and other injecting equipment and harm-reduction counseling for people who use injection drugs.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. However, hepatitis C can be prevented by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease, such as avoiding injection and intranasal drug use.
For more information, visit https://health.ri.gov/hepc.
Quick Facts: The ABCs of Viral Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis
• Millions of Americans are living with chronic hepatitis; many do not know they are infected.
• Viral hepatitis is a leading cause of liver cancer and liver transplants.
• People with hepatitis B and hepatitis C have the greatest risk of liver cancer. In fact, more than 60 percent of liver cancer cases are caused by hepatitis B or C.
Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis A can be prevented with a safe, effective vaccine.
• Unfortunately, in recent years the number of people infected with hepatitis A has been increasing because there have been multiple outbreaks across the United States.
• Recent outbreaks of hepatitis A have primarily been from person-to-person contact, especially among people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and men who have sex with men.
Hepatitis B
• An estimated 862,000 people are living with hepatitis B in the U.S.
• Nearly 2 in 3 people with hepatitis B do not know they are infected.
• People with Hepatitis B often have no symptoms.
• Left untreated, 1 in 4 people with hepatitis B develop serious liver problems, including liver disease and liver cancer.
• CDC recommends all people born in regions of the world where hepatitis B is common and other adults at risk get tested for Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe, effective vaccine. In addition to groups for whom hepatitis B vaccination is already recommended, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that all adults aged 19-59 years should receive hepatitis B vaccines.
Hepatitis C
• An estimated 2.4 million people are living with hepatitis C in the U.S.
• About 4 in 10 people living with hepatitis C do not know they are infected.
• People can live with hepatitis C without symptoms or feeling sick.
• Left untreated, hepatitis C can cause serious liver damage, liver cancer, and even death.
• Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and liver transplants.
• CDC now recommends all adults and pregnant women get tested for hepatitis C. People with risk factors should be tested regularly.
• Treatments are available that can cure hepatitis C.
Boil Water Notice Issued for The Apartments at 970 Victory Highway Complex Public Water System
2022-04-27
The Apartments at 970 Victory Highway Complex in Burillville are required to issue a boil water notice to its consumers because E. coli bacteria was found in the water system. For more information, customers should refer to the notice provided to them by their water supply officials.
The Apartments at 970 Victory Highway Complex collected two samples in the water system on April 22, 2022, that had E. coli present, which were confirmed by additional samples collected on April 25, 2022. A boil water order will remain in effect until the water system investigates the source of the bacteria; completes corrective actions, including disinfection of the water system; collects three consecutive days of absent bacteria samples; and RIDOH notifies the water system officials that the boil water notice can be rescinded.
Customers with questions should contact Thomas Tzeremes at 508-208-7926.
Lakeside Refrigerated Services Announces Voluntary Recall of Ground Beef Products
2022-04-27
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Lakeside Refrigerated Services is recalling more than 120,000 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli 0103.
The recalled ground beef was produced from February 1, 2022, through April 8, 2022, and have the establishment number EST. 46841 inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Recalled items were distributed to retail locations nationwide.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with consumption of the ground beef.
Anyone who has purchased these products should not eat them. Consumers who may have ground beef in their refrigerators or freezers should check to see if they have recalled product. Any recalled products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Do not eat recalled product.
Many clinical laboratories do not test for this strain of E. coli (STEC) because it is harder to identify than the more common strain STEC O157:H7. People can become ill from STECs two to eight days after eating contaminated product.
Symptoms can include diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Most people recover within a week, but, rarely, some develop a more severe infection, Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a type of kidney failure and is not usually associated with this strain of E. coli. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children younger than five, older adults, and persons with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
Anyone who has eaten these recalled products and has any symptoms of E.coli infection should call their healthcare provider.
Department of Health's Office of Vital Records Closes Three Days for Office Move
2022-04-26
The Rhode Island Department of Health's (RIDOH) Center for Vital Records is moving its office from the Cannon Building in Providence to Simpson Hall on the Pastore Campus (6 Harrington Rd., Cranston, RI 02920).
The office will be closed for business on April 27, 28, and 29 for the move. The Cannon Building location will close for business on April 26 at 3:30 p.m., and the Cranston office will be open for business on May 2 at 8:30 a.m. Any emergency vital records business requests that cannot be fulfilled by a city or town hall during the office closure can be directed to 401-602-7156 or doh.riversassistance@health.ri.gov.
Vital Records (birth, death, and marriage records) can also be requested at:
• City or town halls
o Certificates for births after 1960: any city/town hall
o Certificates for deaths in 2022: any city/town hall
o Certificates for deaths before 2022: city/town hall where death occurred
o Marriage certificates: city/town hall where ceremony occurred
• Online: http://health.ri.gov/records/about/copies
• By US mail: 6 Harrington Rd., Cranston 02920
• Drop box at Cranston or Providence office (Cranston drop box available May 2)
• By appointment (Call 401-222-2813).
The only thing that will change is that the office will have a new mailing address. All staff phone numbers and emails will stay the same.
The new office has ample free parking, is accessible by RIPTA bus route 21, and is located near other State agencies who provide critical services to the public (DMV, Office of the Attorney General).
There will be customer drop boxes in Cranston and, for three months after the move, in Providence. All of Vital Records' forms will be updated with the new mailing address. (An incorrect mailing address on a Vital Records form does not affect the validity or legality of the document.)
Bakkavor USA Announces Voluntary Recall of Whole Foods Market Red Lentil Dal
2022-04-22
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Bakkavor USA is voluntarily recalling Whole Foods Market Red Lentil Dal that includes pickled curry cauliflower, an ingredient produced by Doux South Specialties, that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recalled Whole Foods Market Red Lentil Dal is sold in 12-ounce plastic trays, UPC 1 95515 02394 8, with the following codes:
• USE BY 4/15/2022;
• USE BY 4/17/2022;
• USE BY 4/18/2022;
• USE BY 4/19/2022;
• USE BY 4/22/2022;
• USE BY 4/24/2022;
• USE BY 4/25/2022; and
• USE BY 4/26/2022.
Recalled items were distributed to Whole Foods Market stores in all states except Hawaii.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with this recall to date.
Anyone who has purchased these products should not eat them. Consumers who still have any of these products in their refrigerators should throw them away.
Anyone who eats food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can get listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.
Symptoms of Listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections occur in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Anyone in the higher-risk categories who have flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the healthcare provider about eating the contaminated food.
Anyone who has eaten these recalled products and has symptoms of listeriosis should call their healthcare provider.
Kinder Chocolate Products Recalled
2022-04-08
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers of a recall of Kinder Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment and Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats baskets because these product may be contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium. These products were sold in BJ's Wholesale Club stores and Big Y Supermarkets.
Product details:
Kinder Happy Moments Milk Chocolate and Crispy Wafers Assortment
• Size and Package Type - 14.1 OZ (400g) square box with lid
• Best By Date and location - July 18, 2022 (back panel)
• Lot Codes and location - 48RUP334; 48RUP335; 48RUP 336; 48RUP337 (back panel)
• UPC Code and location - 09800 52025 (right side panel)
Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats Basket
• Size and Package Type - 5.3 OZ (152g) cardboard basket
• Best By Date and location - July 30, 2022 (bottom of package)
• Lot Codes and location - 03L 018AR - 306 (bottom of package)
• UPC Code and location - 09800 60209 (bottom of package)
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The products are being recalled because they were manufactured in a facility where Salmonella typhimurium was detected. Consumers who have purchased the affected product should not eat the product.
Twa Mushrooms Recalled
2022-03-23
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Farm Fresh Produce is recalling certain packages of Twa Agriculture Mixed Mushrooms because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
These products were distributed nationwide in retail stores. The recalled products come in a 14.11 ounce, clear plastic packages marked with UPC6957937481850.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the California Department of Public Health revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 14.11 ounce packages of Twa Agriculture Mixed Mushrooms. The production of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the problem. No illnesses have been reported to date.
Recall Expanded for Powder Infant Formulas
2022-03-09
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that an additional lot of Similac powder infant formula is being added to the recall announced on February 17th. Abbott is recalling a lot of Similac PM 60/40 (Lot #?27032K80 [can] / Lot # 27032K800 [case] manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan). This is in addition to lots of Similac Alimentum and EleCare powder formula that were already recalled.
This action comes after learning of the death of an infant who tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii and who had consumed Similac PM 60/40 from this lot. (This child was not a Rhode Island resident.) This case is under investigation, and at this time the cause of the infant's Cronobacter sakazakii infection has not been determined.
No distributed product has tested positive for the presence of Cronobacter sakazakii. Additionally, recently tested retained product samples of Similac PM 60/40 Lot # 27032K80 (can) / Lot #27032K800 (case) were negative for Cronobacter.
On February 17th, Abbott initiated a recall of lots of Similac Alimentum?and EleCare powder formulas manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan at one of the company's manufacturing facilities. This action came after reports of four infant illnesses related to products from the facility. There were reports of three Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one Salmonella Newport infection. During testing in the facility, evidence of?Cronobacter sakazakii?was found in the plant in non-product contact areas. No evidence of?Salmonella?Newport was found.?
No distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria. Abbott conducts quality checks on each completed batch of infant formula, including microbiological analysis prior to release. All finished?infant formula powder products are tested for?Cronobacter,?Salmonella,?and other pathogens, and they must test negative before the product is released.
Contact a healthcare provider if an infant is experiencing symptoms?related to?Cronobacter?or Salmonella?infection. These include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths, abnormal movements, lethargy, rash, or blood in the urine or stool.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Updates
2022-02-25
As part of Rhode Island's, comprehensive plan to transition the management of COVID-19 from a pandemic into an endemic strategy focused on more traditional models of prevention, treatment, and healthcare delivery, updates to the State's vaccination and testing sites are being planned.
These updates are aimed at making vaccination accessible and ensuring that the State's testing program is helping people at highest risk for serious illness get into treatment. Ensuring access to prevention tools and ensuring treatment for those at higher risk is a traditional public health model for responding to an endemic disease, which is a more predictable, manageable disease.
Rhode Island's COVID-19 cases have decreased by more than 95% since early January, and the state's new hospital admissions have decreased by 83% from mid-January to the end of February.
Testing
In alignment with the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rhode Island will shift the testing strategy at State-run COVID-19 testing sites on March 7th to focus on people who have symptoms of COVID-19 and people who are close contacts of someone who tested positive.
There is now an abundance of testing available in the community. People who are asymptomatic and aren't a close contact but want to be tested for COVID-19 can access testing through most pharmacies, clinics, and primary care providers throughout the state. (These same testing options should be used by people who need to be tested before travel.) Kits that you can use to test yourself for COVID-19 are also available through community organizations, local pharmacies, and online retailers.
Focusing testing efforts at Rhode Island's State-run testing sites on people who are symptomatic and people who are close contacts will ensure that people who are positive and eligible for treatment can be quickly connected to treatment. Treatment is one of the many reasons why we have seen such a drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Vaccination
As part of a renewed effort to increase primary series and booster dose vaccination rates in communities where they are lower, the State is also coordinating a faith-based vaccination program. This effort involves a community of worship welcoming a physician to speak and answer questions during a service, and then hosting a vaccination clinic after that service.
Additionally, the State is planning an on-site vaccination clinic at schools in several communities where the student vaccination rate is below 20%. More than 40 clinics are currently scheduled. These clinics are follow-ups to the vaccination clinics the State organized at schools during the spring and fall of 2021.
Part of this renewed focus on community vaccination settings entails shifting away from larger, centralized vaccination venues. On Feb. 26, the Rhode Island Convention Center will cease offering vaccination appointments. Current conditions and the prevalence of vaccination sites across the State have reduced the need for mass vaccination sites.
The State has the capacity to quickly stand-up large vaccination sites and events, should the data on COVID-19 transmission indicate they are warranted.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Sites: Opening Delays and Closures
2022-02-24
Due to the winter storm, State-run COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites will delay their opening until 10 a.m. on Friday, February 25th. Additionally, the community-run COVID-19 testing sites at Thundermist Health Center in Woonsocket, and East Bay Health Care in East Providence, Newport, and Warren will be closed all day on Friday.
People with vaccination appointments between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. at Rhode Island Convention Center have been contacted by email. These people can walk in and be vaccinated later in the day. These people can also reschedule by visiting http://portal.ri.gov. (The other State-run vaccination site, at Sockanosset Cross Road, does not normally open until 11 a.m.)
People with testing appointments at State-run sites have been contacted by email and text message. These people can walk in and be tested later in the day. These people can also reschedule by visiting http://portal.ri.gov.
Health Advisory Issued for Similac Alimentum and EleCare Powered Infant Formulas
2022-02-17
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that federal health officials are investigating four infant illnesses related to products from an Abbott Nutrition facility in Sturgis, Michigan. All of the cases are reported to have consumed powdered infant formula from this facility. These illnesses include three Cronobacter sakazakii infections and one Salmonella Newport infection. All four cases related to these complaints were hospitalized and Cronobacter may have contributed to a death in one case.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to use Similac Alimentum or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:
• The first two digits of the code are 22 through 37 and
• The code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2, and
• The expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
The code is printed on the product packaging near the expiration date (see image of product label attached). Additional information on products made by Abbott Nutrition is available on their website.
These powdered infant formulas have the potential to be contaminated with Cronobacter, a bacterium that can cause severe foodborne illness primarily in infants. Cronobacter infections are rare but are especially high risk for newborn infants.
FDA has done an onsite inspection at the Michigan facility. Findings to date include several positive Cronobacter results from environmental samples taken by FDA, and adverse inspectional observations by FDA investigators. A review of the firm's internal records also indicate environmental contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii and the firm's destruction of product due to the presence of Cronobacter.
Products that do not contain the information listed above are not impacted by this advisory. This advisory does not include liquid formula products or any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas.
More information on Cronobacter and infant formula is available on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections (sepsis) or meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spine). Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice (yellow skin and whites of the eyes), grunting breaths, and abnormal movements. Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should notify your child's healthcare provider and seek medical care for your child immediately.
Royal Ice Cream Company, Inc. Expands Recall of Ice Cream Products
2022-02-14
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that The Royal Ice Cream Company, Inc. is expanding its recent recall to include all products manufactured at its Manchester Connecticut facility and are within their expiration date due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
All recalled products have the manufacturing plant number CT121 or CT#121 and are not past their expiration date. The effected brands manufactured at Royal Ice Cream Company, Inc in Manchester, CT with the above plant number are:
• Batch brand: pints, all flavors
• Royal Ice Cream Brand: half gallons, pints, cakes, all specialties
• Ronny Brook Ice Cream: all flavors, pints and three-gallon tubs
• New Orleans Ice Cream: all flavors, pints and 2.5-gallon tubs
• Maple Valley Ice Cream: all flavors, pints
• Art Cream: all flavors, pints
• Sweet Scoops Yogurt: all flavors, pints
• Gelato Fiasco: all flavors, pints
• Biggy Iggy's Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Munson Chip Wich ice cream sandwiches
• Giffords Ice Cream: all flavors of ice cream sandwiches
• Chewy Louie Ice Cream: ice cream sandwiches
• Snow Wich Ice Cream Sandwich
• Newport Creamery: Crazy Vanilla, Vanilla and Chocolate , Vanilla and Coffee, half gallons only
The recalled products were distributed in retail stores in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New York, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and New Hampshire and are packaged in pints, half gallons, sandwiches, and portion-control slices.
There have been no reports of illness related to these products.
Anyone who has purchased any of these products should not eat it. Consumers should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.
Anyone who eats food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can get listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.
Symptoms of Listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections occur in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Anyone in the higher-risk categories who have flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the healthcare provider about eating the contaminated food.
Anyone who has eaten these recalled products and has symptoms of listeriosis should call their healthcare provider.
Enoki Mushrooms Recalled Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
2022-02-11
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Jan Fruits Inc. and Concord Farms are both recalling packages of enoki mushrooms that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
• The Jan Fruits Enoki Mushrooms come in a 200g/7.05oz clear plastic package with the following description "Taiwan Best Quality Enoki Natural Mushroom***Manufacturer: Changhua County Mushrooms Production Cooperative" and "Distributor Jan Fruits Inc." There is a green lettered "Premium" printed with two QR scan codes and the UPC 8 51084 00835 8 on the back side of the package.
• The Concord Farms recalled product is Lot #045633 and is packaged in a bright blue and transparent plastic packaging, with the words "fresh enoki mushrooms". The weight of the product is 5.25 oz (150g). The UPC barcode numbers are 001958939091, with no other codes. There is no lot code or dates on the package.
There have been no reports of illness related to these products.
The recalled product was distributed in California to produce distributors or wholesalers for further distribution to retail stores. Anyone who has purchased this product should not eat it. Consumers should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.
Anyone who eats food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can get listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.
Symptoms of Listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections occur in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Anyone in the higher-risk categories who have flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the healthcare provider about eating the contaminated food.
Anyone who has eaten these recalled products and has symptoms of listeriosis should call their healthcare provider.
Batch Ice Cream Recalled
2022-02-07
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Royal Ice Cream Company is recalling specific lots of Batch Ice Cream because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Lots of vanilla, ginger, and mocha chip ice cream from Batch are being recalled.
The effected ice cream was distributed to Market Baskets in Massachusetts, Big Y stores in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and Roche Brothers Markets in Massachusetts.
The products are packaged in paper 16-ounce pints with the Batch Ice Cream brand name and flavors on the front. Products are coded with the Date of Manufacture as 1/19/22 and Best By: 7/19/23, found on the bottom of the cup. UPC Vanilla - 837654968505; Ginger - 83765496856; Mocha chip - 83765496853.
No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall was initiated by Royal Ice Cream after FDA sampling revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on processing equipment.
Consumers who have purchased Batch Ice Cream with the effected dates and flavors are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 860-649-5358, Monday thru Friday 7:30 to 5:00 EST.
In Advance of Winter Storm, Rhode Islanders Reminded to Take Health Precautions
2022-01-28
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding all Rhode Islanders about tips related to shoveling, heating, and food safety to keep themselves healthy and safe during and after winter storms.
Shoveling
Snow shoveling can cause sudden increases in blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of heart attacks. Shoveling can also cause shoulder and back injuries.
Before shoveling:
• Talk to your doctor if you have a history of heart trouble to make sure it is safe for you to shovel snow.
• Drink plenty of water. You can get dehydrated in cold weather, too.
• Dress warmly, and dress in several layers.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.
• Warm up the muscles in your arms and legs. Walk around for a few minutes and stretch your arms and legs.
While shoveling:
• Take it slow, pace yourself, and take breaks.
• Don't pick up too much snow at once. Use a smaller shovel, or only fill the shovel part way if you use a large shovel.
• Protect your back. Bend from the knees and lift with your legs bent. Stand with your feet about hip width apart for good balance and keep the shovel close to your body.
• Try not to twist. If you need to move snow to one side, move your feet to face the direction you are throwing the snow.
• Listen to your body. Stop if you feel tired or feel tightness in your chest.
• Call 911 if you or someone you are with is experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain or pressure; sweating; shortness of breath; nausea or vomiting; pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms; lightheadedness or sudden weakness; a fast or irregular heartbeat).
Heating
Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless. It can cause loss of consciousness or death. The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
• Never use a gas range or oven to heat your house. Do not use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside your house.
• If you need to use a generator, make sure it is properly installed and vented.
• If you lose power and it is too cold inside your house, go to a friend or family's home or go to a warming center. Call 211 for a list of warming centers.
Babies should always sleep alone in their own sleep environment, even if the heat is lost in a home. Bedsharing is extremely dangerous. A parent can roll over and prevent the baby from breathing, or the baby can get trapped between the wall and the bed.
Babies typically need one more layer of clothing than adults. If your baby seems cold, the baby should be swaddled in a blanket, or dressed in an additional outfit.
Food safety during and after any power outages
During power outages, the food items that are of greatest concern are moist, perishable foods. Bacteria can easily grow on this food.
If you believe that you could lose power, turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. If you lose power, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
Power outages of more than four hours may be hazardous to food. If the food temperature is greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit, or you do not know the food temperature, it is best to throw it out. In other words, when in doubt, throw it out.
For more winter health tips, see https://health.ri.gov/seasonal/winter.
For help preparing for winter storms and extreme cold, see https://health.ri.gov/publications/guidelines/preparing-for-winter.pdf.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Site Closures
2022-01-28
Due to the winter storm, all state-run COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites will be closed on Saturday, January 29th. This includes the vaccination sites at Sockanosset Cross Road and the Rhode Island Convention Center, and all testing sites scheduled through http://portal.ri.gov. Additionally, the testing site at CCRI Warwick that normally operates 24 hours a day will close at 6 p.m. today, and reopen at 8 a.m. Sunday morning.
People with vaccination appointments at Sockanosset Cross Road and the Rhode Island Convention Center will be notified directly by email that their appointments have been cancelled. To reschedule, people should visit C19VaccineRI.org.
People with testing appointments at State-run sites will be notified by email and/or text message that their appointments have been cancelled. To reschedule, people should visit http://portal.ri.gov.
Dole Fresh Vegetables Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Salads
2022-01-10
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Dole Fresh Vegetables is voluntarily recalling certain varieties of its salad products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The voluntary recall includes all Dole-branded and private label packaged salads that were processed at its Ohio and California production facilities and contain iceberg lettuce.
Products subject to the voluntary recall are identified by a product lot code beginning with the letter W and a Best if Used By date between December 22, 2021 and January 9, 2022, OR products with a product lot code beginning with the letter B and a Best if Used By date between December 23, 2021 and January 8, 2022. The product lot codes are located in the upper-right-hand corner of the package.
A complete list of the recalled products is available on FDA's website.
Recalled items were distributed widely, including in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Anyone who has purchased these products should not eat them. Consumers who still have any of these products in their refrigerators should throw them away.
Anyone who eats food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can get listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.
Symptoms of Listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections occur in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Anyone in the higher-risk categories who have flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the healthcare provider about eating the contaminated food.
Anyone who has eaten these recalled products and has symptoms of listeriosis should call their healthcare provider.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Updates In Advance of Adverse Weather
2022-01-06
In response to the adverse weather expected on Friday, operations will be adjusted at some COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites.
Testing
Rhode Island's outdoor testing sites usually operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The hours of operation at the following sites will be adjusted on January 7th to 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cumberland Stop & Shop
• CCRI Warwick Parking Lot (new location)
• McCoy Stadium
• Pawtucket Stop & Shop
• Woonsocket State-run Test Site
People who had morning appointments at these sites will have those appointments honored at any point later in the day.
The Wickford Train Station parking garage testing site and the outdoor Pre K-12 Pine Street testing site in Pawtucket will operate tomorrow during normal hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
The test site at the Rhode Island Convention Center ticket booth will move indoors to the Dunkin Donuts Center concourse for Friday.
Vaccination
The vaccination clinic that had been planned for the Providence Public Library downtown will not be held tomorrow. People who had appointments for Providence Public Library clinic are being rescheduled at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
Tomorrow will be the first day vaccinating at the Rhode Island Convention Center. There will be limited availability tomorrow, but additional availability next week. Appointments can be made at VaccinateRI.org.
Pfizer Booster Doses Now Available at 5 Months After Primary Series, Additional Primary Dose for Certain Immunocompromised Children
2022-01-05
In alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rhode Island is now making Pfizer booster doses available to people who completed a primary series of Pfizer vaccine five months ago. Previously, people who completed a primary series of Pfizer vaccine needed to wait at least six months. The booster interval recommendations for people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (two months) or the Moderna vaccine (six months) have not changed.
Additionally, Rhode Island is aligning with CDC guidance and is recommending that children age 5 to 11 who are moderately to severely immunocompromised receive an additional (third) dose of vaccine 28 days after their second dose. This third dose is considered part of the primary series. This is consistent with the guidance for moderately or severely immunocompromised adults. Because Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use by people age 5 or older, moderately or severely immunocompromised children age 5 to 11 must get the Pfizer vaccine for this third dose.
"Our goal is to ensure that all Rhode Islanders receive a booster as soon as they are eligible to provide the added protection we need to keep ourselves and those around us safe," said Governor Dan McKee. "It's time for a boost, Rhode Island - if you haven't already, I encourage you to make an appointment to get vaccinated or boosted today."
"Throughout this pandemic, we have updated our recommendations using the latest science to ensure that Rhode Islanders are getting the best protection," said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH. "This is particularly important now, with the more contagious Omicron variant spreading in Rhode Island. If you or someone in your family is eligible for a third dose, make an appointment or head to a walk-up vaccination clinic today."
People are considered moderately or severely immunocompromised if they have:
• Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
More information about what constituents moderately or severely immunocompromised is available online. At this time, only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized and recommended for children aged 5 to 11.
General information about COVID-19 vaccination and vaccination sites is available at C19vaccineri.org [c19vaccineri.org].
Rhode Island Department of Health