Back to School: Staying Safe Amid Increased EEE and WNV Risk

With kids back in school, many parents have raised concerns about the ongoing cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) across Massachusetts and New England. EEE and WNV are mosquito-borne illnesses, and children may be at an increased risk of contracting these illnesses. In response, some towns have closed parks and fields, implemented a recommended curfew, and adjusted town-sponsored after-school activity start times. Given the risk in many areas, families should educate themselves about the dangers of these viruses and take proactive measures to protect themselves and their children. 

As we are currently in a period of increased EEE and WNV risk and outbreak, many towns and public health officials are urging people to take precautions. Officials in Plymouth Massachusetts have closed public parks from dusk to dawn, when mosquitos are most active, until further notice. The town has been working to move fall sports schedules between these hours. In Oxford, a town in Worcester County, the local Board of Health unanimously voted to recommend all outdoor activities end at 6 p.m. through September, and 5 p.m. starting in October through the first hard frost. Oxford’s director of public health also stated that all town-sponsored activities will follow the recommended curfew. 

During this transition into the school year, it's important to ensure students and parents stay informed and up-to-date regarding local EEE and WNV cases and risk levels. Some towns are taking action to spray for mosquitos as a precaution, and we strongly recommend all residents in or near areas with elevated risk start mosquito control treatments at their property for better protection. We also urge parents to ask schools and town officials about what they are doing to protect their students. Click here to see if your town or surrounding towns are at an increased risk of contracting these potentially fatal illnesses. 

Below are ways parents of school-age children can protect themselves and their families and alleviate the risk of infection at home: 

• All-Natural Mosquito Treatments- Sign up for mosquito control services to protect your family from mosquito-borne illnesses like Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus. If you already treat mosquitos at your property, we recommend speaking to your provider and increasing the frequency of applications for better protection especially while risk levels remain high.
• Mosquito-Proof Your Home- Safeguard your house by installing and repairing window screens. In your yard, drain or remove any item that collects stagnant water such as buckets, unused flowerpots, or toys, and remove piles of lawn debris, clippings, and leaves that could serve as optimal breeding sites for mosquitoes.
• Minimize Time Outside- Limit time spent outdoors at dusk and dawn (when mosquitos are most active). If you are outdoors, consider wearing clothing such as long sleeves and pants to reduce skin exposure. 
• Wear Mosquito Repellent- Upon going outdoors, opt for mosquito repellents that contain EPA-registered active ingredients. This is crucial during evening school activities such as outdoor practices and games when mosquito activity may be high, so be sure to take extra precautions by wearing protective clothing and an effective mosquito repellent.
• Stay Informed- Keep up to date with local and state news regarding EEE outbreaks and risk updates regarding mosquito activity in your area.

More About EEE and WNV

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a serious and potentially fatal mosquito-transmitted disease. People of all ages are vulnerable to being affected, although school-aged individuals under the age of 15 and those over the age of 50 may be more susceptible. Thus far in 2024, Massachusetts reported two human cases and 79 EEE-positive mosquito samples. This upcoming late summer into fall period which also serves as the transition period for returning to school and fall outdoor sports, is the time when risk for EEE is of highest threat. EEE is rare, however, exceptionally dangerous so it’s important to monitor current updates regarding local risk levels and case data. Click here to learn more about EEE. 

West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness found in the continental United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms or develop a flu-like illness, however, it can be fatal. Common WNV symptoms can include fever, headache, or body aches and more serious cases can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). Thus far in 2024, Massachusetts reported four human cases and 285 EEE-positive mosquito samples. People over 50 are at the highest risk of developing WNV, but people of all ages are susceptible to the virus. Click here to learn more about West Nile Virus. 

Request a free mosquito control proposal today to protect against mosquito-borne illness like Eastern Equine Enphalitis and West Nile Virus. 

Sources: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). About West Nile. https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/about/index.html

State health officials announce season’s first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Massachusetts. Mass.gov. (n.d.). https://www.mass.gov/news/state-health-officials-announce-seasons-first-human-case-of-eastern-equine-encephalitis-in-massachusetts

West Nile virus. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/west-nile-virus

12, A. (2020, August 12). Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE) is back-should you be worried?. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/eastern-equine-encephalitis