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Health Happenings
The Checkup: UHS Quarterly Newsletters
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Food & Drug Recalls
- Salmonella Outbreak: Trader Joe's Basil in RI | April 2024
- Elevated Lead Levels: Cinnamon Products | March 2024
- Permanent Marker Plastic: Trader Joe's Chicken Soup Dumplings | March 2024
- Lack of Sterility: Eye Ointment Products | February 2024
- Do Not Use Smartwatches or Smart Rings to Measure Blood Glucose Levels | February 2024
- Foreign Matter Contamination: Frozen Ready-to-Eat Chicken Pilaf Products | February 2024
- Listeria Outbreak: Dairy Products | February 2024
- Benzene Presence: TING 1% (Tolnaftate) Athlete's Foot Spray | February 2024
Avian Influenza in Poultry and Dairy Cows (H5N1)
Dairy Products
Although the avian influenza virus has been found in 36 dairy herds in 9 states (none in New England at this time), retail milk products (such as milk, cottage cheese, and sour cream) did not show any viral fragments.
The FDA’s longstanding position is that unpasteurized, raw milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms that can pose serious health risks to consumers. The FDA is reminding consumers of the risks associated with raw milk consumption in light of the H5N1 virus detections in dairy cows in some states.
Birds
Avian flu virus has been found in both domestic poultry (chickens and turkeys) and wild birds in all New England states.
People should avoid unprotected (not using respiratory and eye protection) exposures to sick or dead animals including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals
In general, people should avoid wild birds and animals that appear sick or dead and also keep their pets away from sick or dead birds and animals.
COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UMass Boston has instituted many policies and procedures to maintain the safety of our campus. This situation continues to evolve and UMass Boston will provide updates to the community on the COVID-19 Campus Update page.
Seasonal Influenza
Seasonal influenza (“flu”) is a very contagious viral disease that attacks the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads from an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or if there is contact with the infected person’s respiratory secretions.
The flu is different from a cold and often includes high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Vomiting, diarrhea, or “upset stomach” are not symptoms of seasonal influenza. Influenza can last several days and it can make you feel pretty miserable! The peak influenza season usually occurs January-February but flu season can start as early as October and last through May. Therefore, there is plenty of time to get the vaccine.
Choices Regarding Pregnancy
50% of pregnancies are unplanned. If you have a uterus and ovaries and are having sex with someone with a penis, you are at risk of getting pregnant. Pregnancy is a personal and private matter; you may want to keep it that way. If so, we offer information regarding how to keep research private, services on- and off-campus, ways to prevent pregnancy, options for decision-making, and resources.
Climate Effects on Health
Simply stated, climate change and global warming can affect your health. Respiratory diseases, food shortages, water insufficiency, insect-borne infections, and heat-related deaths are and will be on the rise.
UHS is committed to improving health literacy as it relates to climate change. Below you can find relevant articles and actions that you can take to work toward mitigating the damage being done to our planet, as well as ways you can stay healthy.
Food Safety
Each year, millions of Americans experience -- and thousands die -- from foodborne illnesses. Access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food is essential for sustaining life and promoting good health. Food safety is important for us all - and detecting, managing, and preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses is important.
Food Safety Resource Guide
- Buffets & Parties Food Safety | CDC
- Leftovers Food Safety | Food Safety News
Gambling & Sports Betting
Gambling is common to almost every culture and many people enjoy it as a fun social activity -- but for many, it can become an addiction.
Problem gambling, or gambling addiction, includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits. Problem gambling has the highest rates of suicide of any addictive disorder - with 1 in 5 problem gamblers attempting suicide.
Measles
As of March 21, 2024, a total of 64 measles cases were reported by 17 states. There have been no reported measles yet in Massachusetts. Simply being in the same room with someone with measles is sufficient to become infected. The virus can linger in the air for up to 2 hours. If you are in a store, classroom, plane, or bus where someone with measles has been, you can contract it.
Measles Vaccination
Measles can be prevented with MMR vaccine. The vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.
The measles vaccine is a two-dose series vaccine given one month apart. Side effects from the measles vaccine are rare, usually transient, and not serious. The disease itself, however, can have very serious consequences, including rare neurological infections and death. In rare cases, serious conditions can emerge years later.
Mpox
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Mpox is rarely fatal and its symptoms are similar to smallpox, but milder.
Party Drugs
Although alcohol remains the most frequently used drug in college settings, several other drugs are used to intensify social experiences. Party drugs are created synthetically in labs, and one reason these drugs can have unexpected side effects during use is due to substitutions or contamination during formulation. You can learn more about relevant drugs and how to protect yourself.
Skin Cancer Prevention
University of Massachusetts Boston has been recognized as a Skin Smart Campus by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. Ensuring our students' well-being, we provide a safe and healthy learning and living environment on and off campus, pledging to keep indoor tanning devices off our campus and our affiliated buildings. We also promote skin cancer prevention policies and education.