Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment

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

08/17/2026

Are belongings starting to feel overwhelming? There’s support available.

This fall, Barnstable County is offering a FREE 16-week “Buried in Treasures” workshop for people who struggle with compulsive acquiring, saving, or hoarding.

Participants will learn practical strategies to reduce clutter and work toward long-term goals—all in a supportive setting with others facing similar challenges.

📘 Free copy of the Buried in Treasures book
🏠 Practical decluttering strategies
🤝 Support from others
🎯 Skills for making lasting changes

Free and open to all!

📅 Thursdays beginning September 3
⏰ 1:30–3:30 p.m.
📍 Dennis Center for Active Living, South Dennis

Interested? Call 508-385-5067 to sign up.

Learn more https://loom.ly/0I8Ia8M

Print the Buried in Treasures Workshop Flyer https://loom.ly/a0vxZbY

08/17/2026

Is your family ready for a hurricane?

Cape Cod is entering the time of year when hurricanes and tropical storms are historically most active in Massachusetts. There is no immediate tropical threat to our region, which makes now a good time to prepare — before a storm is in the forecast.

Take a few minutes this week to:

• Check your emergency kit and replace expired supplies
• Make sure you have medications and essentials on hand
• Plan for possible power outages
• Know your hurricane evacuation zone and evacuation route
• Include pets in your emergency plan
• Sign up for your town's emergency alerts
• Talk with your family about where you would go and how you would stay in contact if separated

A hurricane doesn't have to make a direct hit on Cape Cod to bring damaging winds, coastal flooding, heavy rain, dangerous surf and power outages.

The best time to prepare is before you need to.

Hurricane preparedness & evacuation resources from the Emergency Management Department:
capecod.gov/prepare

Coastal flooding, erosion & property preparedness from the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension:
capecod.gov/coastalprocesses

08/13/2026

🦟 West Nile Virus Update for Cape Cod

Additional West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples have been detected on Cape Cod, including new detections in Falmouth and Eastham. Earlier this season, positive samples were also detected in Barnstable and Falmouth.

The continued detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes across multiple Cape Cod communities is an important reminder that everyone—not only those living in towns where positive samples have been found—should continue taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

✔️ Use an EPA-registered insect repellent
✔️ Cover exposed skin when practical
✔️ Take extra precautions from dusk through dawn
✔️ Eliminate standing water around your home
✔️ Check window and door screens for holes

Mosquito surveillance will continue throughout the season, and residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed and keep mosquito-bite prevention part of their summer routine.

Read the full Barnstable County public health update:
https://loom.ly/rboPowQ

08/06/2026

💙 Healthy communities start with informed families.

As we head into a new school year, August's National Immunization Awareness Month is a good reminder to check that everyone in your household is up to date on recommended vaccines.

This article from the Department of Health and Environment staff, shares local Barnstable County data, explains Massachusetts school immunization requirements, and offers helpful information for children, teens, adults, and older adults.

Take a few minutes to learn more and find resources to help your family prepare for the months ahead.

🔗 Read more: https://loom.ly/QstQkR0