Several schools in Vermont are taking precautions to protect students from mosquito bites and reduce the risk of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) following warnings from health officials. Five high-risk areas have been identified where more pools of mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus, prompting officials to recommend staying indoors from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.
The Burlington School District has instructed coaches to end sports practices by 6 p.m. and moved their back-to-school celebration indoors. Families are encouraged to apply bug spray at home to protect themselves. Superintendent Tom Flanagan emphasized that while EEE can be serious, it is rare, and it is important to maintain day-to-day routines for the mental health of children.
The Missisquoi Valley School District in Swanton has also adjusted schedules for games and practices to ensure students are off the field by dusk. Bug spray will be provided to student athletes, and community members are encouraged to wear long sleeves and use bug spray at sports games. The district’s homecoming dance will be held indoors to minimize exposure.
Children under 15 and adults over 50 are most at risk for severe disease from EEE, which has no treatment and a 30% fatality rate for severe cases. This is the second year in a row that schools in Vermont have had to take precautions due to concerns about EEE. It is important for the community to take these warnings seriously and protect themselves from mosquito bites to prevent the spread of the virus.
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Photo credit www.vermontpublic.org
