What's Going Around in New Bedford?

Health data for the New Bedford, Massachusetts area — April 2026

Here's what respiratory illnesses and infectious diseases look like near New Bedford, Massachusetts, based on the latest CDC surveillance data for Massachusetts. Tap any topic for detailed state-level trends, charts, and forecasts.

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CDC Recommendations at This Level

Flu is circulating — take everyday precautions

  • Wash hands frequently, especially before eating and after public spaces
  • Stay home if you develop fever, cough, or body aches — you're most contagious in the first 3-4 days
  • The CDC recommends getting a flu shot if you haven't yet — it's not too late
  • Consider a mask in crowded indoor spaces if you're high-risk or caring for someone who is

This is general public health guidance based on CDC recommendations — not personal medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about what's right for you and your family.

New Bedford Community Health Snapshot

2022 data

City-specific chronic disease and prevention statistics from the CDC PLACES program , which provides local health estimates for communities across the US.

Chronic Conditions

13.8%
Asthma
9.3%
COPD
12.0%
Diabetes
36.5%
Obesity
6.9%
Cancer
7.1%
Heart Disease
3.9%
Stroke
33.1%
High BP
32.6%
High Cholesterol

Mental Health

25.8%
Depression
22.7%
Poor Mental Health

Health Behaviors

21.7%
Smoking
16.8%
Binge Drinking
32.3%
Inactive
39.1%
Sleep Deprived

Prevention & Access

11.4%
Uninsured
79.2%
Annual Checkup
56.8%
Dental Visit

Source: CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, 2024 release. Age-adjusted prevalence estimates. Learn more

About this data: Infectious disease surveillance (flu, COVID, RSV, measles) is reported at the state level. This page uses Massachusetts data as the best available indicator for the New Bedford area. The health snapshot above shows New Bedford-specific estimates from CDC PLACES (2022 data).

See the full Massachusetts health dashboard for more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What illnesses are going around in New Bedford, Massachusetts right now?

Based on Massachusetts state surveillance data (which covers New Bedford), flu activity is moderate, RSV is moderate, COVID-19 is moderate, and Massachusetts has reported 2 measles cases in 2026. Click any topic above for detailed trends and charts.

Is the flu bad in New Bedford right now?

Flu activity in Massachusetts (which includes New Bedford) is currently moderate with 3.0% ILI. Activity appears stable. See the Massachusetts flu page for weekly trend charts.

What are the biggest health issues in New Bedford?

According to the CDC PLACES dataset (2022 data), New Bedford residents face these key health challenges: Sleep Deprived (39.1%), Obesity (36.5%), High BP (33.1%). The community health snapshot on this page shows 18 health measures specific to New Bedford.

Does New Bedford have its own health data, or is this state-level?

This page combines two types of CDC data. The infectious disease section (flu, COVID, RSV, measles) shows Massachusetts state-level surveillance, which is the most reliable available indicator for the New Bedford area. The Community Health Snapshot below shows New Bedford-specific chronic disease and prevention data from the CDC PLACES program, which provides city-level estimates for all 50 states. State infectious disease data reflects overall trends that apply to communities within the state, including New Bedford.

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Local Health Signal is not affiliated with the CDC or any government agency. Data is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended for clinical decision making. See our methods page for details on data sources and limitations.