Norfolk Medical Reserve Corps

06/18/2025

This week’s forecasted heat wave marks the first of the season— when the risk is highest. Data show that heat-related illnesses and hospital visits spike during the first stretch of 85°F days, before people have acclimated to the heat. Please take extra care with vulnerable populations, check on those at risk, and use the tools and resources available to help your patients and community stay safe.

Extreme heat can be dangerous and even life-threatening if precautions are not taken. During prolonged periods of very hot weather, which may include high humidity, the body must work harder to stay cool, increasing the risk of heat-related illness. While anyone can be affected, older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, workers exposed to excessive heat, and people with chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable. Taking preventive steps—like staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity, and seeking cooler environments—can help protect community members during periods of extreme heat.

H.E.A.T. Resources and Alerts

• Extreme Heat Page: A central hub for resources, tools, and guidance to stay safe during periods of extreme heat.
• Unhealthy Heat Forecast Page: Track upcoming heat conditions in your community with a 7-day forecast and color-coded risk levels.
• Updated Extreme Heat Resource Guide: A comprehensive guide for local health, clinicians, and agencies to plan for and respond to extreme heat. (PDF) (DOCX)
• Targeted MDPH HHAN H.E.A.T. Alerts: Timely alerts delivered through HHAN to help healthcare professionals, local health departments, and other stakeholders respond during forecasted extreme heat events.
• Expanded Fact Sheets: Clear, targeted guidance for specific settings and populations vulnerable to extreme heat. Extreme heat resources | Mass.gov

09/07/2024

Did you know that Norfolk is a part of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control District (NCMCD)?!?! Did you also know that the NCMCD conducts ground spraying for those communities within the district each week. Norfolk’s spraying takes place every Monday. Spraying is weather dependent and begins at sunset and ends around midnight. Should you wish to be added to the spray list, you will want to contact The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District by 10am on your town’s scheduled day to be considered for service that week. You can also opt out of spraying should you wish.
https://norfolkcountymosquito.org/service-request/

This spraying takes place from the street and dissipates when it enters into the air, therefore we encourage residents to use a multipronged approach when tackling mosquito protection as the spraying is not the only solution. To limit one's exposure to mosquitos one should, wear protective clothing as well as mosquito repellant when outside, avoid being outside during the times of increased mosquito activity, use screens when windows are open as well as eliminate any standing water on your property that can aid in mosquito breeding.

Click here for the Mosquito Service Request Form Spray Schedule Truck-mounted mosquito spraying applications generally take place from after Memorial Day to sometime in September, weather dependent. Spraying begins at sunset and ends around midnight. Contact us at the latest by 10am on your town's.....

08/21/2024

West Nile Virus has been found in a mosquito pool in Norfolk. This is the first mosquito pool to test positive this year for the virus.

08/08/2024

News Update from Massachusetts Department of Public Health:
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV)

Risk Level:
Norfolk County is at moderate risk for acquiring WNV infection and at low risk for acquiring EEE infection.

The risk of human infection with WNV is moderate in the Greater Boston area (Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties), and in parts of Bristol, Essex, Hampden, Plymouth, and Worcester counties.

August and September are the months when most people are exposed to West Nile virus in Massachusetts.

Source of Infection:
EEE and WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. EEE is a
rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages.
What can you do to prevent EEE and WNV infection:
1. Repair window screens
2. Wear mosquito repellent between dusk and dawn
3. Wear long sleeves and long pants from dusk to dawn
4. Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens
5. Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn
6. Avoid outside areas with obvious mosquito activity

For more information please visit:
https://www.mass.gov/news/state-health-officials-announce-seasons-first-human-case-of-west-nile-virus-and-first-animal-case-of-eee-in-massachusetts

Norfolk County 8 Coalition
08/06/2024