Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment

09/04/2026

We want Cape Cod to be ready when the next storm comes. That’s why we’re sharing preparedness reminders throughout September—and we hope you’ll share them, too.

One easy thing to do now: make sure you have more than one way to get emergency alerts. Don’t wait until a storm is on the way.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/PLUeC6s

County resources:
https://loom.ly/2jbhMSs
https://loom.ly/aK3P3NY

09/04/2026

🎒 As students across Cape Cod head back to school, it’s a good time for families to check in on routine vaccinations.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has shared updated vaccine guidance for children as federal recommendations continue to change. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps protect children from preventable illnesses and helps keep our schools and communities healthy.

Read the latest guidance from MDPH:
https://loom.ly/wRGooBM

And if you’re interested in what vaccination looks like closer to home, our Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment recently took a look at immunization rates here on Cape Cod — including where we’re doing well and where rates have declined:

https://loom.ly/AZLwX-g

09/04/2026

🦟 Summer may be winding down, but mosquito season isn’t.

West Nile virus continues to be detected in mosquitoes on Cape Cod, including another positive sample collected in Falmouth this week. Earlier this season, positive mosquito samples were also detected in Barnstable, Falmouth, Eastham, and Chatham.

And here’s an important reminder: the majority of mosquito-borne disease cases occur during August and September.

So even as we head toward fall, keep taking precautions:

✓ Use an EPA-registered insect repellent
✓ Cover up when practical
✓ Take extra precautions at dusk and after dark
✓ Dump standing water around your home
✓ Make sure window and door screens are in good repair

The Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project continues to monitor mosquito activity and respond to positive detections across the region.

Don’t put away the bug spray just yet, Cape Cod. 🦟

Learn more about West Nile virus, current risk levels, and how to protect yourself:
https://loom.ly/pKcofNs

09/03/2026

September is National Su***de Prevention Month, and we want to take a moment to talk about something that touches many families here on Cape Cod.

If you’re going through a hard time, you don’t have to face it alone. And if someone you care about seems to be struggling, reaching out can matter more than you might realize. A phone call, a check-in, an honest conversation, or simply taking the time to listen can make a real difference.

This month, the Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment and Department of Human Services are joining together to share information and resources to help all of us look out for ourselves, our friends, our families, and our neighbors.

You don’t need to have all the right words. Sometimes simply asking, “Are you okay?” is a good place to start.

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 anytime. Free, confidential help is available 24/7.

Learn about warning signs, ways to help, and resources available here on Cape Cod: https://loom.ly/dILnakw

***dePreventionMonth

09/01/2026

September is Emergency Preparedness Month. On Cape Cod, being prepared means knowing how you’ll receive alerts, having a family emergency plan, and keeping supplies on hand before severe weather or another emergency happens.

Throughout September, Barnstable County Emergency Management and Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s Coastal Processes – Flood & Erosion Program will share simple steps you can take now.

Start here: mass.gov/ready



FOR MORE RESOURCES:
https://www.capecod.gov/Prepare
https://www.capecod.gov/flood-ready

⬇️ PORTUGUÊS

Setembro é o Mês da Preparação para Emergências. Em Cape Cod, estar preparado significa saber como você receberá alertas, ter um plano de emergência familiar e manter suprimentos à mão antes que ocorram condições meteorológicas severas ou outra emergência.

Durante todo o mês de setembro, Barnstable County Emergency Management e o Coastal Processes – Flood & Erosion Program da Cape Cod Cooperative Extension compartilharão medidas simples que você pode tomar agora.

Comece aqui:
mass.gov/ready



MAIS RECURSOS:
capecod.gov/Prepare
capecod.gov/flood-ready

⬇️ ESPAÑOL

Septiembre es el Mes de Preparación para Emergencias. En Cape Cod, estar preparado significa saber cómo recibirás las alertas, tener un plan de emergencia familiar y contar con suministros a mano antes de que ocurra un fenómeno meteorológico severo u otra emergencia.

Durante todo septiembre, Barnstable County Emergency Management y el Coastal Processes – Flood & Erosion Program de Cape Cod Cooperative Extension compartirán medidas sencillas que puedes tomar ahora.

Comienza aquí:
mass.gov/ready



MÁS RECURSOS:
capecod.gov/Prepare
capecod.gov/flood-ready

08/31/2026

**ATTENTION!** Distribution of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits in Plymouth and Barnstable Counties will begin September 8th!

Beginning Tuesday, September 8, ORV baits will be distributed in select locations of Plymouth and Barnstable Counties. Plymouth, Wareham, Kingston, Carver, Middleboro, Lakeville, Middleborough, Rochester, Marion, Mattapoisett, Bourne, & Sandwich will all receive baits.

These baits are meant to be distributed in areas where terrestrial rabies vectors (ie. raccoons, foxes, and coyotes) frequent, and away from areas where domestic animals and people are likely to find them. The baits are typically not harmful to people or pets, but if a bait is found, please call 877-722-6725 to report where it was located. Additionally, we ask that you obey your town’s leash law as every bait that is picked up and consumed by a dog is one that is considered a lost dose – a dose that could have gone to an unvaccinated raccoon.

**ATTENTION!** Distribution of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits in Plymouth and Barnstable Counties will begin September 8th!

Beginning Tuesday, September 8, ORV baits will be distributed in select locations of Plymouth and Barnstable Counties. Plymouth, Wareham, Kingston, Carver, Middleboro, Lakeville, Middleborough, Rochester, Marion, Mattapoisett, Bourne, & Sandwich will all receive baits.

These baits are meant to be distributed in areas where terrestrial rabies vectors (ie. raccoons, foxes, and coyotes) frequent, and away from areas where domestic animals and people are likely to find them. The baits are typically not harmful to people or pets, but if a bait is found, please call 877-722-6725 to report where it was located. Additionally, we ask that you obey your town’s leash law as every bait that is picked up and consumed by a dog is one that is considered a lost dose – a dose that could have gone to an unvaccinated raccoon.

Thank you for your cooperation on this important project! Please follow the Cape Cod & Southeast Massachusetts Rabies Task Force page for the latest information about rabies in southeast Massachusetts!



Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment New England Wildlife Center Carver Animal Control Cape Wildlife Center Cape Cod Wildlife Collaborative Bourne Department of Natural Resources Sandwich Animal Control Sandwich Natural Resources U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cape Cod Canal Town of Plymouth MA Animal Control and Shelter Plymouth Municipal Airport Kingston Animal Control/Shelter Wareham Animal Control Wareham Department of Natural Resources Plymouth County Middleborough Animal Shelter Adoptions Lakeville Ma Animal Shelter/ Lakeville Ma Animal Control Town of Marion, Massachusetts Town of Plymouth, MA Town of Mattapoisett

08/29/2026

**ATTENTION!** Distribution of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits in Plymouth and Barnstable Counties will begin September 8th!

Beginning Tuesday, September 8, ORV baits will be distributed in select locations of Plymouth and Barnstable Counties. Plymouth, Wareham, Kingston, Carver, Middleboro, Lakeville, Middleborough, Rochester, Marion, Mattapoisett, Bourne, & Sandwich will all receive baits.

These baits are meant to be distributed in areas where terrestrial rabies vectors (ie. raccoons, foxes, and coyotes) frequent, and away from areas where domestic animals and people are likely to find them. The baits are typically not harmful to people or pets, but if a bait is found, please call 877-722-6725 to report where it was located. Additionally, we ask that you obey your town’s leash law as every bait that is picked up and consumed by a dog is one that is considered a lost dose – a dose that could have gone to an unvaccinated raccoon.

Thank you for your cooperation on this important project! Please follow the Cape Cod & Southeast Massachusetts Rabies Task Force page for the latest information about rabies in southeast Massachusetts!



Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment New England Wildlife Center Carver Animal Control Cape Wildlife Center Cape Cod Wildlife Collaborative Bourne Department of Natural Resources Sandwich Animal Control Sandwich Natural Resources U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cape Cod Canal Town of Plymouth MA Animal Control and Shelter Plymouth Municipal Airport Kingston Animal Control/Shelter Wareham Animal Control Wareham Department of Natural Resources Plymouth County Middleborough Animal Shelter Adoptions Lakeville Ma Animal Shelter/ Lakeville Ma Animal Control Town of Marion, Massachusetts Town of Plymouth, MA Town of Mattapoisett

08/25/2026

We’re hiring! Join Barnstable County Emergency Management.

Barnstable County is seeking an experienced Emergency Management Planning Specialist to help strengthen emergency preparedness across Cape Cod.

This full-time position will work directly with town emergency managers, fire, police, public health, hospitals, schools, EMS, and state partners to develop and improve emergency plans that work locally — and can scale regionally when an incident extends beyond a single community.

The position will also play a key role in developing regional emergency exercises, from planning and design through after-action reporting and improvement.

We’re looking for candidates with experience in:

→ Emergency planning and preparedness
→ Municipal or regional emergency management
→ Exercise design and evaluation
→ Coordination with public safety, health, and community partners

If you’re an emergency management professional interested in helping Cape Cod communities prepare, coordinate, and respond effectively, we encourage you to apply.

→ View the full job description and qualifications:
https://loom.ly/MLhBaAA

08/21/2026

⚠️ PRODUCT RECALL: Select Outshine Fruit Bars

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is advising consumers about a voluntary recall of select Outshine Fruit Bars because they may contain glass. The recalled products were distributed nationwide and may have been sold in Massachusetts.

Check your freezer. The recall affects specific batches of several Outshine Fruit Bar varieties. A matching flavor or package size alone does not mean your product is recalled. Check the UPC, batch code, and best-before date printed on the bottom of the package.

If your product is included in the recall, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.

🔗 View the full Massachusetts DPH advisory for affected products, batch codes, best-before dates and product photos:
https://www.mass.gov/news/dph-issues-public-health-advisory-on-recalled-outshine-fruit-bars

08/20/2026

WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE | 8/20/26

Additional West Nile virus (WNV)-positive mosquito samples have been detected in Falmouth, along with positive samples in Chatham.

Earlier this season, WNV-positive mosquito samples were also detected in Barnstable, Falmouth, and Eastham.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health now lists the WNV risk level as moderate in:

→ Barnstable
→ Chatham
→ Eastham
→ Falmouth
→ Mashpee
→ Orleans
→ Sandwich

Residents and visitors across Cape Cod are encouraged to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites — regardless of whether a positive sample has been detected in their community.

→ Use EPA-registered insect repellent
→ Wear long sleeves and pants when practical
→ Take extra precautions from dusk through dawn
→ Empty standing water around your home
→ Check window and door screens

Mosquito surveillance will continue throughout the season, and risk levels may change as new information becomes available.

Learn more and view current mosquito-borne disease information:
capecod.gov