OXFORD, Mass. — Health officials in one of four Massachusetts communities facing a significant risk of eastern equine encephalitis held a special meeting Wednesday night to discuss measures to keep residents safe, ultimately approving a town-wide curfew.
As of Wednesday, the towns of Oxford, Douglas, Sutton and Webster were considered at significant risk for EEE, according to Massachusetts’ most recent arbovirus risk map.
The towns were raised to a high risk level last week after a man in his 80s tested positive for EEE.
During a Board of Health hearing at 6 p.m., Oxford officials considered measures to ensure public safety as the fall youth sports season gets underway, including the possibility of banning outdoor activities on town grounds.
Despite opposition from many parents in attendance, health officials approved the recommended 6pm curfew while the risk of EEE remains significant.
“Don’t do this to my child,” parents could be heard shouting at the hearing. “Do you have children?”
From October 1st, the night-time curfew will be changed to 5pm and will remain in place until the first frost.
Before the curfew was approved, the town’s residents were advised to avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn, use insect repellent and avoid outdoor activity at night.
Dudley, Northbridge and Uxbridge are considered to be at high risk of EEE.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will be conducting testing for EEE and WNV from June through October.
The state offers the following best practices that can be implemented to prevent EEE infection:
Repair window screens Wear mosquito repellent from dusk to dawn Wear long sleeves and long pants from dusk to dawn Use mosquito nets on strollers and playpens Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn Avoid outdoor areas with significant mosquito activity Adjust outdoor activities to avoid peak mosquito times (dusk to dawn) Avoid camping at night, especially near freshwater marshes where EEE activity is highest Cancel or reschedule outdoor gatherings, organized sporting events, etc. to avoid peak mosquito times
EEE is a rare but serious, potentially fatal illness that can affect people of all ages.
EEE is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
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