Air Quality and Cyclosporiasis Warnings in Latest Health Department Update

Source: Amherst Department of Health

The Amherst Department of Health issued the following alerts on July 15, 2026.

Air Quality
An air quality alert is in effect for our region. Pollution levels may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with asthma or other lung conditions.  

By now you have probably noticed the hazy skies spread across New England over the last couple of days. Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is rapidly spreading across the Northeast, prompting air quality alerts. Wildfire smoke can lead to elevated levels of fine particle pollution (PM2.5), which can trigger breathing difficulties especially for sensitive groups like people with respiratory or heart problems, children, and older adults. Exposure can lead to coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Prolonged exposure can lead to more serious health complications. 

Protect yourself:

• Limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity
• Keep windows closed if possible
• Use air conditioning or an air purifier if you have one
• Keep rescue inhalers and medications nearby

If you must be outside, an N-95 mask can offer some protection. 

Check out our air quality alert flyer here
Find the current air quality index (AQI) and forecast for the Town of Amherst here or go to purpleair.com for real time air quality data in select areas. Amherst will be adding more sensors in the coming weeks. 

Heat
Heat is blanketing much of the country this week. Extreme heat can be dangerous and even life-threatening if precautions aren’t taken. During prolonged periods of very hot weather, which may include high humidity, the body must work harder to stay cool, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

How to prevent heat-related illness:

• Stay hydrated! Drink more fluids/water even if you are not thirsty, Limit alcohol during hot weather.
• Stay cool! Avoid heavy activity in the heat, Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
• Know where to cool off: below are cooling centers and water stations in Amherst! Cooling centers are officially open during heat waves (3 days or more above 90 degrees) Click here for more information!
  
  Bangs Center (70 Boltwood) — Thu–Fri 8–4
  Jones Library (University Drive) — Thu 9–8:15, Fri 9–12
  Munson Library (1046 S. East St.) — Thu 2–5:30, Fri closed
  North Amherst Library (Montague) — Thu closed, Fri 10–12
  Groff Spray Pad (Mill Lanen) — Daily 10–8 (Tue 12–8)
  Mill River Pool (95 Montague) — 4–6 PM
  Puffer’s Pond (171 State St.) — Sunrise–Sunset

• Call 2-1-1 for more information about cooling resources including extended pool hours, etc. 
• Check on people at higher risk – kids, older adults, neighbors. If someone feels dizzy, or nauseated, appears confused, or stops sweating, seek medical help right away and begin cooling immediately.  

Check out our Heat advisory poster for more info!  

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak: What You Need to Know
(Editor’s note: this alert has been supplemented with information from the CDC, and Western Mass News).

Explosive diarrhea and produce are two words you may have heard together lately, thanks to a large U.S. food-borne illness outbreak. The culprit is a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora, which spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces. It is often linked to fresh produce and can be difficult to remove by washing alone.  

Cyclosporiasis cases in Massachusetts are spread out across the staate rather than concentrated in a single town or local area. Health officials have confirmed 18 cases statewide between May 1 and July 1. These scattered cases are at normal seasonal levels, unlike the much larger outbreaks in the Michigan, Ohio, and New York. Since cyclosporiasis is often underdiagnosed and underreported, the true number of illnesses is likely higher than what has been reported.

The CDC is still working to identify the source of the illness but a report on July 17, suggests it may be tied to contaminated lettuce at Taco Bell. Until we have more information, public health officials are recommending the following:  

Prepare Produce Safely

• Wash Hands First: Scrub hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling food.
• Use Running Water: Rinse all fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs thoroughly under clean, running water.
• Ignore “Pre-Washed” Labels: Thoroughly wash bagged salad mixes and pre-cut items anyway, as commercial processes can fail to remove the parasite.
• Scrub Firm Items: Use a clean produce brush to scrub the outer rind of melons and cucumbers before cutting into them.
• Strip Outer Leaves: Discard the outermost two to three layers of leafy greens like lettuce and cabbage.
• Cut Out Bruises: Remove and discard any damaged or bruised sections of produce where parasites can cluster.

Handle and Store Smartly Prioritize Cooking

• Heat food to at least 158°F (70°C) to completely destroy the parasite, which is ideal for vegetables and herbs that do not have to be eaten raw.
• Refrigerate Quickly: Place cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables into the refrigerator within two hours.
• Stop Cross-Contamination: Clean your cutting boards, countertops, and utensils with hot, soapy water between preparing different food items.

Dining out and Travel Tips

• Skip Salad Bars: Avoid communal salad bars, open fresh fruit buffets, and raw produce that you did not wash yourself.
• Drink Safe Water: Avoid drinking untreated water from lakes, streams, or shallow wells.
• Stick to Sealed Bottles: Drink only sealed bottled water, boiled tap water, or carbonated beverages when traveling in areas with poor sanitation.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can start about one week after infection and may include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue. Most cases are mild and can be treated with antibiotics if needed. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and contact your healthcare provider if symptoms are severe and or last more than a few days.  Following strict food safety guidelines from the CDC Preventing Cyclosporiasis Guide and the FDA Cyclospora Safety Sheet is your best line of defense. For more information about the national cyclosporiasis outbreak, check out this recent post from Your Local Epidemiologist 

Valley Vax
Have questions about vaccines? Valley Vax is your best local resource for accurate, evidence-based vaccine information. Check out Valley Vax for the latest vaccine-related news and trusted guidance about vaccine recommendations. Starting at the end of June, you’ll also see Valley Vax featured on Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) buses throughout the region, be sure to keep an eye out! 

Valley Vax was recently selected by the Massachusetts Adult Immunization Conference (MAIC) planning committee as the 2026 Champion Award Winner. This annual award recognized individuals or organizations that have made an outstanding contribution or effort to promote or foster adult immunization in Massachusetts. 

Puffer’s Pond Surveillance
As the weather gets warmer, much of the community looks to Puffer’s Pond as a place to cool off and enjoy the outdoors. However, heavy use and climate change have contributed to frequent high levels of bacteria, making it occasionally unsafe for swimming.  To help keep visitors informed, the Public Health Department regularly monitors water quality throughout the summer. Click here to view the latest water quality test results for Puffer’s Pond.

As of July 13, Puffer’s was deemed unsafe for swimming due to high levels of the bacteria E. Coli.

Free Food Resources
The Amherst Public Health Department has compiled a list of free food resources for those living in the Amherst area. Click here for a copy of the list.