Public Health Updates as of September 30, 2026

To keep the community updated on public health developments, the Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) will provide regular updates on its website and in a dedicated space in the city’s daily email. Look for a recap of important public health information every other week.

COVID-19 Cases on the Rise

The number of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts continues to rise since July (the month when respiratory season starts). The week of July 5 only had 128 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19. By the week of September 13, that had risen to 791 cases. Wastewater data followed the same trend. It’s important to get the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against serious illness and reduce the spread of COVID-19 to others who may be more vulnerable.  

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant People

Pregnant? It might be time for your RSV vaccine! The maternal RSV vaccine is recommended for people who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant during September through January. Individuals recommended for an RSV immunization should talk to their healthcare provider about receiving it.  See CPHD’s RSV and Immunizations section on our Get Vaccinated Page for more information. 

Traveling Safety

Planning a trip? CPHD recommends checking to see which diseases are rising in your destination. For example, Hillsborough County in Florida declared a state of local emergency due to dengue fever, and there are many measles outbreaks throughout the US. Traveling internationally? Visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health to learn what vaccines and medications are recommended. 

Food Recalls

• Deano’s Pasta of Somerville, MA is recalling approximately 20 lbs. of Pear and Pecorino Triangoli Ravioli, because it may contain undeclared lobster. 
• Golden Greek Peperoncini, Medium Heat since it may contain foreign objects such as pest contaminant in the jar. 
• Berlin Seeds Alfalfa Sprouting Seed because the seed has the potential to be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and/or Salmonella. 
• Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheeses: medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack, and Monterey jack are being recalled due to an investigation of an E.coli outbreak. 
• So Delicious Dairy Free® Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert pints due to the potential presence of foreign materials, such as small stones and other hard objects, within the cashew inclusions. 
• Truly AIP All Purpose Flour and Bread Mix and EAT G.A.N.G.S.T.E.R. Flat Bread Pizza Mix due to potential undeclared wheat gluten.