Health

UPDATE July 17 The CDC said it has narrowed down the source of the cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. The Marblehead Board of Health is encouraging residents to take precautions against cyclosporiasis, the foodborne parasitic infection linked to contaminated produce, as health officials continue investigating cases reported across the country. In a statement released Wednesday, the board said cyclosporiasis is caused by consuming food — most commonly fresh produce — contaminated…

UPDATE: Water safety tests came back within normal range on Friday, meaning Grace Oliver's Beach could re-open, according to Public Health Director Andrew Petty. All swimming beaches in town are now open. **** Public Health Director Andrew Petty has announced that Grace Oliver's Beach is closed Thursday due to a high bacterial count in water tested yesterday. Petty said he will test again today and hopes to re-open the Grace Oliver's tomorrow. Devereux Beach, Crocker Park, Gas House and Stramski Beach have been tested and…

If you thought summer had been taking it easy on Marblehead, think again. The town is bracing for its first major heat wave of the season, and forecasters say it won't just be hot — it'll be dangerously hot. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Marblehead from 10 a.m. Wednesday through 8 p.m. Saturday, with heat index values expected to climb between 98 and 112 degrees. Forecasters say Thursday and Friday are shaping up to be the hottest and most…

The town's new curbside trash and recycling pickup program begins Wednesday, July 1. Residents will see Republic Services trucks, equipped with automated arms, collecting the new 65-gallon trash barrels and 95-gallon recycling carts. Health Department Director Andrew Petty told the Current Tuesday that 380 residents have requested smaller barrels (35-gallon trash and 65-gallon recycling.) One hundred residents have requested 35 and 35. Three hundred and eighty addresses have opted out of curbside collection. Six business have signed up (with a $160 month fee). Petty has…