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.
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, including a possible ban on outdoor activities on town grounds.
The review came at the start of the fall youth sports season.
Health officials recommended a 6pm curfew as long as the risk of EEE remains significant.
Residents of the town are currently advised to avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn, use insect repellent and avoid outdoor activities 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.
Download the free Boston 25 News app to receive breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News now
©2024 Cox Media Group
