Health Department Warns of E Coli Contamination

Some recalled Farm Rich products might have been sold in Rhode Island, according to the Department of Health.

A number of Farm Rich brand products may be contaminated with E. coli 0121, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health. Products involved in the USDA recall were distributed to Walmart stores nationwide, including stores in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts, according to the state. According to the state health department, the products included in the recall are: Each product package above contains the establishment number "EST. 27232" or "P-27233" inside the USDA mark of inspection. In addition, the following products, which fall under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jurisdiction, are also being recalled. HEALTH is issuing this news release to make the public aware that these products are also considered …

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Flu Levels Subsiding, But Vaccines Still Important

The early spike in flu cases may not be the last one, and officials still recommend getting a flu shot.

As influenza illness levels begin to subside across the state, the Rhode Island Department of HEALTH reminds all Rhode Islanders that it is not too late to be vaccinated against influenza. “Although we saw an early spike in influenza cases this flu season, it is important to note that we could see the number of influenza cases rise again before the flu season officially ends in May,” said Michael Fine, M.D., director of HEALTH, adding that Rhode Island has seen 769 hospitalizations since the department began tracking confirmed influenza cases on Oct. 1, 2012. That number reflects a higher total number of hospitalizations for influenza than initially reported, as HEALTH’s staff has re-evaluated data reported by the state’s hospitals. “Our …

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Area Communities Schedule Flu Shot Clinics

HEALTH reports high flu activity in Rhode Island, and the vaccination demand is causing sporadic shortages.

The CDC reports an elevated number of flu cases in the U.S., with the Rhode Island Department of Health reporting widespread flu. HEALTH has listed a number of other public health clinics throughout the state. There is no cost for any vaccination and health insurance is not a requirement at public clinics. Anyone who is insured should bring his or her insurance card. In addition to flu vaccine, pertussis (whooping cough) and pneumonia vaccine will be available at some clinics. Locally, a clinic is being held at the Pier School on Monday – click here for more info. Outside of government clinics, demand for vaccinations is creating sporadic shortages. "Due to high demand caused by the outbreaks of influenza across the country, some of our …

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Why Get The Flu Shot? HEALTH Debunks Shot Myths

With flu rates higher than normal across the U.S., R.I. Health Director Fine says it's not too late to get vaccinated and protect yourself and others.

From the office of Michael Fine, M.D., director of the Rhode Island Department of Health: As the flu remains widespread in Rhode Island and continues to send people to doctors’ offices and hospitals throughout the state, unvaccinated Rhode Islanders are urged to get flu shots to protect not only themselves, but also those around them — particularly elderly people and babies under the age of six months.   “Flu vaccine helps you and the people in your life stay healthy,” said Fine. “Roughly 40 percent of the state has been vaccinated so far this flu season. For the hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders who still haven’t gotten flu shots, it’s not too late to protect yourself, your family members, neighbors, co-workers, and friends.” This …

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The Season Is Here: Where to Get Flu Shots in Gansett, SK

Here's where to get a flu shot, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.

Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were much lower in Rhode Island than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends.  Overall in the state, activity is considered high now, while it was considered low at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here is where you can go locally: Check here for more locations in the surrounding area. According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase across the country.  Five states — Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee — are reporting flu rates not normally seen until January, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The flu season normally …

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HEALTH Declares Flu to Be Widespread in Rhode Island

Surgical masks now required for all unimmunized healthcare workers.

The following was provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health Michael Fine, MD, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), has issued a Declaration of Widespread Flu Incidence Statewide. This declaration triggers Rhode Island’s new regulations requiring all healthcare workers who have not been immunized against influenza to wear a surgical mask during all times of direct patient contact. “Flu is here in Rhode Island, and all signs indicate that this flu season is expected to be more severe than those in recent past,” said Dr. Fine. “We encourage all Rhode Islanders to protect themselves and those around them by being immunized against influenza. Our healthcare workers have an obligation to protect those they care for…

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Department of Health Actions: Oct. 16 to Nov. 26, 2012

The following reports are based on documents released by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

The Rhode Island Department of Health has announced the following disciplinary actions. For more information, see the attached PDFs, or visit their web site. Want to be notified when we post new police reports or health suspensions? Click the “keep me posted!” button below.

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Weather Watches and Warnings

Hurricane Sandy Updates – Saturday, Nov. 3

Passing along the relevant stories and information we’ve seen the past day.

Here is today’s roundup of Hurricane Sandy related news and cleanup efforts:

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Weather Watches and Warnings

$1.5M in Ocean Road Repairs Begin Saturday

Governor Lincoln Chafee and RIDOT announced Friday night that the first road repair contract for Hurricane Sandy will cover Ocean Road and start Saturday.

Release courtesy of RIDOT. Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation announced that the first repair contract for road damage caused by Hurricane Sandy is scheduled to begin Saturday, Nov. 3 – just five days after the storm hit Rhode Island. Workers from J.H. Lynch and Sons of Cumberland are expected to mobilize for repairs on a portion of Ocean Road in Narragansett damaged by the storm. The $1.2 million contract includes replacement of 3,800 feet of sidewalk from State Pier No. 5 near South Pier Road to the area of Narragansett Town Beach. The contract also includes replacement of more than 200 feet of seawall, repair of any undermined areas, inspection and repair of drainage systems, and other minor …

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