Public Health Division

• Outshine Strawberry Fruit Bars, six-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
  UPC: 041548610047
• Outshine Grape Fruit Bars, six-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
  UPC: 041548244044
• Outshine Watermelon Fruit Bars, six-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
  UPC: 041548413624
• Outshine Black Cherry Fruit Bars, six-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
  UPC: 041548000121
• Outshine Tangerine Fruit Bars, six-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
  UPC: 041548612041
• Outshine Variety Pack Fruit Bars, 24-count package of 2.5-ounce bars
  UPC: 041548816678

• Check your freezer for recalled Outshine Fruit Bars
• Review the UPC, batch code, and best-before date printed on the bottom of the package
• Do not eat products included in the recall
• Throw away recalled products (listed above) or return them to where they were purchased
• Contact a health care provider immediately if you are concerned about a possible injury
• Check the FDA recall announcement for the most current product information, batch codes, best-before dates, and product photographs

• Check shelves, freezers, inventory, online listings, and other points of sale for recalled Outshine Fruit Bars
• Remove recalled products from sale and distribution
• Ensure that returned recalled products are removed from inventory and are not resold
• Segregate and clearly label recalled products while awaiting instructions for their return, disposal, or other disposition
• Inform staff about the recall and instruct them not to restock affected products
• Follow instructions from Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream or their distributor for returning or disposing of recalled products

• FDA: Updated – Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall on Select Outshine Fruit Bars Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

Due to multiple reoccurring West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples in the Boston/Suffolk County region, the risk for WNV (West Nile Virus) in Revere has been raised to MODERATE as determined by the State of Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Residents are encouraged to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes until hard frost*.  For more information on WNV in Massachusetts please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/west-nile-virus-wnv

This year, the CDC is reporting a large number of domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases in multiple states.  Some of these cases are associated with a large multistate outbreak occurring in at least five midwestern states including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky.  This outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.  At this time, Massachusetts does not have evidence of a significantly unusual number of Cyclospora cases compared to previous years.  

Recalled iceberg lettuce implicated in the Midwest outbreak was distributed in Massachusetts.  When a recall occurs, the Division of Food Protection collects distributor information and will conduct recall effectiveness checks with the distributors to confirm implicated products have been removed for sale.  

People can take steps to reduce their risk of Cyclospora infection.  

• Monitor reports from DPH, FDA, and CDC for announcements regarding specific foods that are linked to current outbreaks that consumers should avoid.
• Consider the following when consuming fresh produce during the summer:
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
  • Rinse fresh produce under clear running water, even if it is labeled as pre-washed.  Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce like melons and cucumbers.  Produce that can be peeled should be washed prior to peeling.  Do not use soap or bleach to rinse produce.  Rinsing is an important first step but does not reliably eliminate the parasite.
  • For produce that can be cooked, cook to a temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit.  

People who develop symptoms of Cyclospora should contact their doctor for evaluation. 

• Hard or no bowel movements (constipation)
• Poor feeding/Not eating well
• Trouble swallowing
• Weak or different sounding cry
• Droopy eyelids
• Loss of head control/Unable to hold head up
• Trouble breathing
• Respiratory arrest (stopping breathing)

• Monitor infants who consumed Nara Organics infant formula and seek medical care immediately if signs or symptoms of infant botulism develop.
• Do not use recalled Nara Organics formula. Thoroughly wash and sanitize bottles and kitchenware that came into contact with the formula.
• Throw away or return any unopened containers of Nara Organics formula.
• Save any opened containers of any Nara Organics formula, record the lot information, and label it “DO NOT USE.”  After 30 days, if no symptoms have developed, discard the product unless otherwise directed by DPH.
• Follow safe infant formula preparation and storage steps from CDC: Infant Formula Preparation and Storage.

• All recalled Nara Organics formula products are removed from shelves.
• Returned Nara Organics formula products are also removed from inventory and not resold.
• Staff are informed about the recall and instructed not to restock affected products.
• Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled formula.

• CDC outbreak advisory: Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Powdered Infant Formula, June 2026
• FDA public health advisory: Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Powdered Infant Formula (June 2026)
• FDA company recall announcement: Nara Organics Recalls All Lots of Nara Infant Formula Because of Possible Health Risk
• CDC: Infant Formula Preparation and Storage
• Information on the Prevention and Treatment of Infant Botulism from the California Department of Public Health
• Consumers can report a complaint or adverse event to FDA through the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or by calling 1-888-INFO-FDA.

• CDC is responding to a deadly outbreak of Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, among passengers and crew of a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
• CDC is working with the U.S. State Department and other U.S. government partners to get Americans on the ship home as quickly and as safely as possible.
• To date, no cases of Andes virus have been reported in the United States as a result of this outbreak.
• At this time, the overall risk to travelers and the American public remains extremely low. Routine travel can continue as normal.
• Andes virus, the type of hantavirus involved in these infections, can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed today that two cases of measles have been diagnosed in Massachusetts residents.

• The first case was reported in a school-aged Massachusetts resident who was exposed and diagnosed out of state and remains out of state during the infectious period. There are no known exposures to others in Massachusetts.
   
• The second case was diagnosed in an adult who lives in Greater Boston. The individual recently returned from international travel and had an uncertain vaccination history. During their infectious period, the individual visited several locations where exposures to others likely occurred. State and local public health officials are working with these locations to identify and notify those who were potentially exposed.

These two cases of measles in Massachusetts have occurred in the context of a large national outbreak of measles and a very large international outbreak. Although there is no evidence of the spread of measles within Massachusetts at this time, additional cases could occur. View a 10-year table of vaccine-preventable disease reports in Massachusetts.

“Our first two measles cases in 2026 demonstrate the impact that the measles outbreaks, nationally and internationally, can have here at home. Fortunately, thanks to high vaccination rates, the risk to most Massachusetts residents remains low,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Measles is the most contagious respiratory virus and can cause life-threatening illness. These cases are a reminder of the need for health care providers and local health departments to remain vigilant for cases so that appropriate public health measures can be rapidly employed to prevent spread in the state. This is also a reminder that getting vaccinated is the best way for people to protect themselves from this disease.” 

Early symptoms of measles occur 10 days to 2 weeks after exposure and may resemble a cold (cough, runny nose, and red eyes), usually with fever. A rash occurs 2-4 days after the initial symptoms develop. The rash usually appears first on the head and then moves downward. The rash typically lasts a few days and then disappears in the same order.  People with measles may be contagious up to four days before the rash appears and four days after the day the rash appears. Measles is a potentially serious illness, with complications occurring in approximately 30 percent of infected individuals, including immune suppression, pneumonia, diarrhea, and encephalitis, which may be life-threatening.

Those who were exposed to measles and develop symptoms should call their health care provider before visiting an office, clinic, or emergency department. Visiting a health care facility without calling in advance may put others at risk and should be avoided. Anyone who has had measles in the past or has received two doses of the vaccine is unlikely to develop measles, even if exposed.

People who have had measles, or who have been vaccinated against measles per the DPH Guidance for Vaccines are considered immune. The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine offers the best protection against measles and the serious complications associated with infection. The DPH recommendations for the MMR vaccination are:

• Children: Children should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12-15 months. School-aged children need two doses of the MMR vaccine.
   
• Adults: Adults should have at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Certain groups at high risk need two doses of the MMR vaccine, such as international travelers, health care workers, and college students. Adults born in the U.S. before 1957 are considered immune to measles from past exposures. 

People who are exposed to measles and have not been vaccinated are at risk for developing measles and will need to avoid all public activities until they are no longer at risk of developing disease. This means that unvaccinated, exposed people will need to miss daycare, school, work, and other activities. Anyone concerned about measles is advised to contact their health care provider to confirm their immunization status and get vaccinated, if needed.

For additional information, contact your local health department or DPH at 617-983-6800. To learn more about measles, visit the DPH website.   

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is issuing this notification to inform clinicians of a change in recommended reference materials for pediatric immunization schedules. 

DPH has a longstanding and ongoing commitment to promoting evidence-based immunization practices that protect communities from vaccine preventable illnesses. Following a review of recent changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pediatric immunization schedule, DPH now recommends that clinicians in Massachusetts use the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Scheduleas the primary reference for the routine immunization of infants, children, and adolescents. 

DPH recognizes the importance of clear, consistent, and evidence-based guidance to facilitate safe and effective vaccination practices. AAP is a national professional organization representing pediatric physicians, and its immunization schedule is developed by pediatric experts and updated regularly to reflect current evidence and clinical best practices for immunizing children and adolescents. The AAP immunization schedule aligns with science-backed pediatric standards of care and provides detailed guidance that supports clinical decision-making in pediatric settings. 

Clinicians should continue to follow all applicable state requirements, including the immunization requirements for school and camp entry (aligned with AAP recommendations), and reporting obligations, including documentation of administered immunizations in the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS). 

DPH will continue to monitor national immunization policy updates and will communicate any additional guidance as needed. Thank you for your continued commitment to protecting the health of Massachusetts children and families. 

Resources 

• The American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule 
• Massachusetts Immunization Requirements for School and Camp Entry 
• Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS) 
• AAP Communicating with Families and Promoting Vaccine Confidence 
• DPH recommended guidance for vaccines 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is reporting very high and rising levels of influenza activity statewide as the Commonwealth moves through peak flu season. Thousands of residents have become ill, forcing them to miss work, school, and other activities. Many are experiencing serious complications, leading to increased visits to urgent care centers and emergency departments, and high levels of hospitalization.  

The current widespread burden of illness underscores the importance of taking preventive measures, especially vaccination, to reduce severe disease and protect individuals, families, and communities. 

Tragically, influenza has already been reported to be associated with the deaths of three pediatric patients in Massachusetts during recent weeks. In addition, there have been 29 adult influenza deaths reported so far this season. While COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rates currently remain low, cases of both illnesses are beginning to rise. DPH is reviewing two possible COVID-19-associated deaths and one RSV-associated death in individuals younger than 18 years.  

“This is a moment for clarity, urgency, and action,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “These viruses are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening. We are seeing children who are seriously ill, families grieving devastating losses, and hospitals under capacity strain. There is a simple, effective, and available way to address these concerns: vaccines. They can prevent serious illness and hospitalization. And they save lives. If you have not yet been vaccinated against flu or COVID-19 this season, now is the time. It is not too late. Choosing vaccination is choosing to protect yourself, your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your community.” 

Hospitals across Massachusetts are continuing to see high numbers of patients seeking care for respiratory illness. Each day last week, there were nearly 9,000 emergency department visits statewide, with approximately one-quarter of those related to acute respiratory illness, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Some regions in the state reported challenging hospital capacity levels exceeding 90% in medical-surgical units, largely related to influenza.  

DPH urges everyone 6 months of age and older to stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. These annual shots can be given at the same visit and are available from local boards of health, community health centers, pharmacies, and many health care providers.

Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe disease, including adults age 65 years and older, children between 6 months and 2 years old, people with chronic respiratory conditions or heart disease, individuals who are immunocompromised, and people who are pregnant. Vaccination also helps protect family members, coworkers, and others in the community who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.  

For RSV, one-time immunization is recommended for adults age 75 and older, those aged 50-74 who have conditions that put them at increased risk, and people who are pregnant. For infants and children, parents should talk with their child’s health care provider about RSV immunization. It is recommended that infants younger than 8 months be immunized if the birth parent did not receive the RSV shot during pregnancy. Children between 8 and 19 months who are at increased risk because of certain pulmonary or immune system disorders should also be immunized.  

In Massachusetts, vaccines are covered by insurance and are available at no cost for almost all adults. All vaccines for individuals younger than 18 years are supplied free of charge to health care providers through the state’s universal childhood immunization program.  

For those who begin to experience flu symptoms – which include high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, and congestion – antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), are available by prescription. When started early, these medications can significantly reduce the severity of illness. Parents are encouraged to seek medical advice promptly if they or their children develop flu-like symptoms. 

Spending time indoors and around larger groups increases the likelihood of exposure to respiratory viruses. The following everyday measures can help prevent illness: 

• Stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations 
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water 
• Stay home when sick 
• Cover coughs and sneezes 
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings, especially if you or a loved one is at higher risk.

DPH continues to closely monitor respiratory activity and hospital capacity across Massachusetts. Up-to-date data are available on the DPH respiratory virus dashboard.