From the Board of Health: July Updates for a Health Conway

Tick Safety

Summer is peak season for ticks in our region. Wear light-colored clothing outdoors, tuck pants into socks, and apply an EPA-registered tick repellent like DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Treat your clothing, boots, and camping gear with Permethrin. After coming inside, shower and do a thorough tick check on yourself, your children, and your pets, paying close attention to the scalp, underarms, and moist folds of skin. If you find a tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers. Early removal is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of illness from a tick bite.

DPH Extreme Heat Resources

July heat can be hard on all of us, especially young children, older adults, and anyone with a chronic health condition. Stay hydrated throughout the day; don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. During heat spikes, limit strenuous outdoor activity to the cooler morning hours, and never leave children or pets in a parked car, even briefly. If you or someone you know lacks access to air conditioning, see a list of cooling centers and find helpful guidance at mass.gov/extreme-heat.

Mosquitoes, West Nile Virus and EEE

Mosquito season is in full swing in July, and with it comes a small but real risk of West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). A few simple steps go a long way. Eliminate standing water around your home — in flowerpots, birdbaths, gutters, and buckets — where mosquitoes breed. Outdoors in the evening, wear long sleeves and apply an EPA-registered repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Most people exposed to West Nile virus have no symptoms, but older adults and those with weakened immune systems may develop serious illness. EEE can be more serious. If you develop a sudden fever, headache, or body aches, contact your healthcare provider.

Water Safety

Unfortunately, drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in the US, and is largely preventable. Actively supervise all children near any body of water, including ponds, rivers and backyard pools. Weak or non-swimmers of any age should wear life jackets approved by the US Coast Guard. Beware of currents, submerged objects and unpredictable depths in natural bodies of water. Avoid swimming alone or after consuming alcohol.

Wishing everyone a healthy and safe July!

Information from the Conway BOH is focused on our shared public health. Consult your healthcare provider for your personal healthcare guidance.

Posted: to Board of Health on Tue, Jun 16, 2026
Updated: Tue, Jun 16, 2026