The Marion Board of Health met on July 17 for a quick but informative meeting at the Town House, touching upon the rise of tick-borne illnesses and the safety of town beaches.
Health Director Lori A. Desmarais informed the board that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE or “Triple-E”) and West Nile Virus cases, both caused by mosquitoes, are lower this year. However, there has been a general rise in tick-borne illnesses statewide. Desmarais said there have been no reported EEE cases, and one goat in Worcester County tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Tick-borne diseases have been on the rise, but so far Lyme Disease cases in Marion are down from 43 last year to 41 this year, according to Desmarais. She said there has been a rise in other tick-borne illnesses in Marion and in the state. She advised that anyone who finds a tick embedded in his or her skin for several hours should consult a physician. She also recommended doxycycline for those who test positive for Lyme Disease.
In other health news, Desmarais reported that she has been visiting camps and advised the board to update its fee structure, especially with late fees. The director reported that there have been 270 Emergency Medical Service visits to the Health Board staff this year. She attributed the high number to more people being aware of this in-town service.
Desmarias also reported that all beaches, public and semi-public, have been tested and passed water-quality tests as of July 14.
Newly hired Health Agent Gabrielle Almeida was introduced to the board at the July 17 meeting. Almeida has been busy visiting town beaches, and she has conducted some food inspections, reporting only some minor infractions from a food vendor at Washburn Park.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is currently scheduled for Thursday, August 7, at 4:30 pm in the Town House.
Marion Board of Health
By Jeffrey D. Wagner