GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Post-holiday data on viruses shows elevated wastewater COVID concentrations in Greenfield, Montague, and Sunderland, with Deerfield seeing an 18.75% positivity rate for the past two weeks.
Norovirus, which causes a stomach bug with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, has also seen a recent rise in outbreaks across the country with 91 cases being reported so far.
Bird flu, H5N1, has also seen recent cases in the US, although none have been reported in western Massachusetts yet.
From the Greenfield Health Department:
“If you are dealing with symptoms, please consider taking an at-home test and masking in public places. The COVID-19 vaccine remains the most effective tool for reducing the impact of a positive COVID case. Masking is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. In addition, there are now at-home testing kits that combo test for the flu and COVID-19, which could be particularly helpful.