Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment

Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment The official page of the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment

Peak tick season is here — and it's no joke.Right now, in mid-June, we are in one of the worst windows of the year for t...
06/11/2026

Peak tick season is here — and it's no joke.

Right now, in mid-June, we are in one of the worst windows of the year for tick bites and tick-borne illness transmission. July 4th is historically when the most people report their first symptoms — which means the clock is ticking (pun intended).

We've been seeing a lot of Lyme Disease, but Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Alpha-Gal Syndrome (yes, the red meat allergy) are all on the rise on Cape Cod.

The photo below was taken in Chilmark on Martha's Vineyard. The lighter brown ticks are Lone Star Ticks, which have exploded on the island and are increasingly being found across Cape Cod. The darker brown ticks are Deer Ticks — and with this year's humid weather, they are having a field day.

Scary picture? Yes. But here's the good news: tick-borne illnesses are completely preventable. Visit our website for tips and resources (link in comments)!

Hurricane season is here. Are you prepared?Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and continues through November 30. Whi...
06/03/2026

Hurricane season is here. Are you prepared?

Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and continues through November 30. While forecasts provide guidance, it only takes one storm to impact Cape Cod and the Islands. Barnstable County encourages residents, businesses, and visitors to take a few simple preparedness steps now before severe weather threatens our region.

✔ Review your emergency plan
✔ Build an emergency supply kit
✔ Know your evacuation zone and risks
✔ Check generators and emergency equipment
✔ Stay informed with trusted local alerts

Visit capecod.gov/emergencies for preparedness resources, emergency planning information, and evacuation guidance.

The June issue of Wicked Wellness is here! This monthly flyer is inspired by relevant health awareness themes. Each edit...
06/02/2026

The June issue of Wicked Wellness is here! This monthly flyer is inspired by relevant health awareness themes. Each edition discusses an important health topic, with helpful exercise tips and simple yet delicious recipes using local, in-season ingredients.
You can also find previous editions of Wicked Wellness at https://loom.ly/RksAmRY

🌭Cape Cod, let's talk grill safety.Be honest...How many of you are still using the "poke it and hope" method to see if b...
06/02/2026

🌭Cape Cod, let's talk grill safety.

Be honest...

How many of you are still using the "poke it and hope" method to see if burgers are done?

Because grill marks are not a food safety strategy.

Summer means cookouts, beach parties, graduation celebrations, and backyard BBQs. But warm weather and outdoor cooking can also create the perfect conditions for foodborne illness if food isn't handled safely.

Did you know?

✔️ Turkey burgers aren't done when they "look done." They need to hit 165°F before they earn a spot on your plate.

✔️ Those beautiful grill marks? Great for Instagram. Not great for checking doneness.

✔️ Bacteria consider 40°F to 140°F perfect patio weather.

✔️ If the potato salad has been enjoying the sunshine longer than your beach towel, it's probably time to let it go. 😬

Our Nutrition & Food Safety team put together some simple tips to help keep your family and guests safe this summer, whether you're grilling burgers, seafood, vegetables, or smoking meat.

Read the blog here https://loom.ly/yZE1nZ8

Because summer memories should end with sunsets and s'mores... not food poisoning.

Tick Talk Pop-Ups are back this week — and we've got TWO stops across Cape Cod!📍 South Yarmouth LibraryFriday, June 5 · ...
06/02/2026

Tick Talk Pop-Ups are back this week — and we've got TWO stops across Cape Cod!

📍 South Yarmouth Library
Friday, June 5 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
312 Old Main St, South Yarmouth

📍 Kent's Point Trail, Orleans
Friday, June 5 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
35 Keziahs Ln, Orleans

Stop by for free tick prevention tips, supplies & resources — no registration needed!

This event is hosted by the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment's Shared Services Division, in collaboration with the Town of Yarmouth Massachusetts Health Department and the Town of Orleans, MA Health Department.

Can't make it this week? We're at libraries, trailheads, and farmer's markets across Cape Cod all summer long! Full schedule → capecod.gov/calendar

Happening now until 1PM! Stop on by the Dennis-Yarmouth Community Health Fair to connect with local health providers, co...
05/30/2026

Happening now until 1PM! Stop on by the Dennis-Yarmouth Community Health Fair to connect with local health providers, community organizations, and wellness businesses — all in one place!

🩺 Free Health Screenings 💚 Wellness Resources 🍔 Food Trucks 🎉 Kids Activities 🏃 Demos & Interactive Activities

🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate School Gymnasium

🎟️ FREE & Open to the Public — no registration required!

Whether you're looking for health resources, fun for the kids, or just want to kick off a healthy summer on the Cape — come on out and join your neighbors!

🌿 We're bringing our Trailhead Tick Talk Pop-Up Series to Bell's Neck Conservation Area in Harwich this Friday, May 29 f...
05/27/2026

🌿 We're bringing our Trailhead Tick Talk Pop-Up Series to Bell's Neck Conservation Area in Harwich this Friday, May 29 from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM!

Get free tick prevention tips, supplies & resources — right on the trail!

📍 Parking: West Trailhead, Depot St, Harwich — enter via dirt road between #401–484 Depot St. (look for the open gate). Follow 0.2 mi to the lot. Near the Fish Ladder!

🌧️ In case of rain, we’ll move inside the Brooks Free Library, 739 Main St, Harwich from 10AM–1PM!

This event is hosted by the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment's Shared Services Division, in collaboration with the Harwich Health Department.

Free & No registration needed!

Can't make it? We're at trailheads and farmer's markets across Cape Cod all summer long! Full schedule → capecod.gov/calendar

On May 15, our Public Health Nursing team was at the Brewster Sea Camps Health & Wellness Fair offering free screenings ...
05/21/2026

On May 15, our Public Health Nursing team was at the Brewster Sea Camps Health & Wellness Fair offering free screenings — bone density, cardiac health checks, and skin analysis. It was a great chance to meet community members where they are and make preventive care a little more accessible. Thank you to everyone who stopped by! 💙

The Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment is actively monitoring reports of Andes virus activity identifi...
05/12/2026

The Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment is actively monitoring reports of Andes virus activity identified in connection with a cruise-related investigation occurring outside of Massachusetts. There are no confirmed cases associated with Barnstable County or the broader Cape Cod community. The public health risk to local residents is currently assessed as very low.

Andes virus is a very rare form of hantavirus. Hantaviruses are most often transmitted through direct contact with infected rodents or exposure to their droppings, urine, or saliva. Andes virus is notable as the only hantavirus with documented potential for person-to-person transmission, though such transmission remains uncommon. Hantavirus disease is exceptionally rare in the United States.

Early symptoms of hantavirus illness may include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, nausea, and cough. Symptoms can progress rapidly, making early clinical recognition important. Residents who develop these symptoms and who have recently traveled to an area associated with the current investigation, or who have had close contact with a person under public health investigation, should contact a healthcare provider promptly and disclose their full travel history and any known exposures.

Public health officials are coordinating closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are following established federal guidance. For detailed information on hantavirus transmission, symptoms, and prevention, the CDC maintains a dedicated resource at www.cdc.gov/hantavirus.

The Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment will continue to monitor this situation and will issue updates as additional information becomes available. www.capecod.gov/health

Address

3195 Main Street
Barnstable, MA
02630

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(508) 375-6613

Website

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