Boston Public Health Commission

08/28/2026

On International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the people we have lost to overdose. We grieve with, and support their families, friends, and communities.

Boston is making progress thanks to people in recovery, families, community groups, health care workers, and partners across the city but there is still more to do.

Today and every day, we will keep showing compassion, reducing stigma, supporting recovery, and making sure people can get the help and resources they need, when they need them.

Every overdose can be prevented. Every life matters. Together, we can keep moving forward.

Find programs to support you and your loved ones at boston.gov/recovery.

08/28/2026

We encourage residents to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. West Nile Virus can affect people of all ages. It most often causes severe illness in people over age 50 and those who are immunocompromised.

Learn more at boston.gov/mosquito.

08/28/2026

Citywide wastewater levels for August 27 are now available:

COVID-19: Very Low
Flu: Not Detected
RSV: Not Detected
Measles: Not Detected, 0 cases

Find data about your neighborhood, reports, and more at

Wastewater monitoring is a new public health tool to warn communities about the presence of viruses like flu, COVID-19,

08/27/2026

Health Advisory: We are alerting residents that the existing cyanobacteria public health advisory for the Charles River Lower Basin has been expanded. The impacted area includes all points downstream of the Boston University Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences Building, also known as the “Jenga Tower.”

• Avoid direct contact with the water and impacted shoreline, including swimming and other water activities.

• If you, your child, or your pet comes in contact with the water or algae on the shoreline, rinse off immediately.

• Do not allow pets to swim in or drink the water. Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet has been around an algae bloom and shows symptoms such as vomiting, staggering, drooling, or convulsions.

Harmful algae blooms are most common when warm sunny weather promotes algae growth and can disappear quickly or last for weeks when conditions allow.

Learn more at boston.gov/cyanobacteria.

08/27/2026

Summer isn't over yet! But we are experiencing an uptick in COVID-19 cases in Boston. With school starting back up for families, we're sharing a few ways you can stay healthy and prevent COVID-19.

If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, talk with your doctor or healthcare provider. As always, you can find more information at boston.gov/covid-19.

08/26/2026

Cyclospora is in Boston, but do not fear, your health department is here! We’ve got some tips on how you can prevent cyclospora and stay healthy.

08/25/2026

West Nile Virus can affect people of all ages. It most often causes severe illness in people over age 50 and those who are immunocompromised.

We encourage residents to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Learn more at boston.gov/mosquito.

08/25/2026

Citywide wastewater levels for August 24 are now available.

• COVID-19: Very Low
• Flu: Not Detected
• RSV: Not Detected
• Measles: Not Detected, 0 cases

Find data about your neighborhood, reports, and more at boston.gov/wastewater.

Wastewater monitoring is a new public health tool to warn communities about the presence of viruses like flu, COVID-19,

08/24/2026

Calling all early childhood educators! Join our upcoming webinars on Managing Food Allergies in the Early Childcare Setting. We'll cover common allergies, symptoms, and reactions. We'll discuss how you can develop allergy-safe polices, plans, and more.

This first session (offered in English and Spanish) is the start of a 3-session series, all part of our Food Allergy Education Initiative. You must attend all three sessions and be a licensed early childhood educator serving the city of Boston to register.

Educators do so much to care for students. We're proud to support them with the tools and resources to create a safe environment for students and support inclusive feeding practices.

Learn more and register at boston.gov/bphc-bhcci.

08/21/2026

Health Advisory: We are alerting residents to a cyanobacteria algae bloom impacting the Charles River Lower Basin downstream of the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge. Cyanobacteria can make people and pets sick.

• Avoid direct contact with the water and impacted shoreline, including swimming and other water activities.

• If you, your child, or your pet comes in contact with the water or algae on the shoreline, rinse off immediately.

• Do not allow pets to swim in or drink the water. Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet has been around an algae bloom and shows symptoms such as vomiting, staggering, drooling, or convulsions.

Harmful algae blooms are most common when warm sunny weather promotes algae growth and can disappear quickly or last for weeks when conditions allow.

Learn more at boston.gov/cyanobacteria.