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Updates to the EPHT Data Query Tool

The EPHT team recently submitted radon data for high priority buildings dating back to 1988. This includes town halls and other government buildings, daycare facilites, and schools. Over 600 data records were cleaned and submitted to CDC for the data portal.

Coming soon to the portal...climate change data including future projections of extreme heat and precipitation, and rates of Lyme disease by county and town.

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Extreme Heat Webinar

The New England Tracking Programs will be hosting a webinar showcasing the data available in our data portals, and some of the partnerships we have undertaken to bring awareness to extreme heat and heat illness in New England. Rhode Island will present the recent heat stress illness campaign.

July 10, 2019 1:00 - 2:00 pm EDT
Join the Webinar using this link

Data Spotlight

Lyme Disease

In 2017, there were 1,132 cases of Lyme disease in Rhode Island (rate of 107 cases per 100,000 people), which was higher than the number of cases reported in prior years. Rhode Island’s Lyme disease surveillance system was enhanced in 2013 to incorporate active provider follow-up to obtain clinical information. The apparent increase in cases from 2013 to 2014 is likely attributable to these changes in surveillance, rather than a true increase in disease. Although underreporting of Lyme disease remains a concern, this enhanced surveillance system may help to capture more cases to better reflect the disease burden.

Environmental Health Data News and Tools

Rhode Island Beach Closures

During the summer months, some Rhode Island beaches may see more than 10,000 visitors in a single day. The Rhode Island Department of Health Beach Monitoring Program monitors for the presence of Enterocci bacteria in water at state-licensed beaches in the state. Historically, beach closures have been closely tied to precipitation, but projects to install stormwater improvements near beaches and remove septic systems have helped change this trend. The Narragansett Bay Commission's Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Program also went online in 2009, decreasing pollution to the Upper Bay.   Learn about how our RIDOH Beach program helps to keep you safe.

Extreme Heat

The Rhode Island Tracking and Climate Change Programs teamed up to develop a heat stress illness campaign targeted at outdoor workers. As part of the campaign, we will be advertising at the Bristol 4th of July Parade. Click here to see our new TV spot. The campaign also includes radio ads which will run through July and August.


OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App
The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool is a useful resource for planning outdoor work activities based on how hot it feels throughout the day. Featuring real-time heat index and hourly forecasts, specific to your location, as well as occupational safety and health recommendations from OSHA and NIOSH.

Phoenix Tries to Reverse Its "Silent Storm" of Heat Deaths. NPR, July 9, 2018

As Planet Warms, Advocates Urge U.S. to Set Rules to Protect Workers From the Heat. NPR, August 27, 2018
Environmental Public Health Tracking Program
Peter DiPippo, Program Manager peter.dipippo@health.ri.gov
Rachel Calabro, Communications and Outreach rachel.calabro@health.ri.gov
Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
Health Information Line: 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711

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