New Cases of EEE and West Nile Virus Curtail Nighttime Activities

Newsdate: Thu, 20 Sep 2012 - 07:59 am
Location: AMHERST, Massachusetts

Officials at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have cancelled nighttime outdoor activities as a precautionary measure against mosquito-borne illnesses such as eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).

Mosquito-borne disease threat

Mosquito-borne disease threat

University of Massachusetts-Amherst has cancelled nighttime outdoor activities as a precautionary measure against mosquito-borne illnesses such as eastern equine encephalitis.

Previously, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced four additional human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts residents, one of which has resulted in a death, along with the detection of heightened WNV-positive mosquito activity in several areas of the state.

 Health officials have also confirmed the diagnosis of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse.

The dusk-to-dawn ban (approximately 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.) on outside events is in accordance with recommendations from the state Department of Public Health for towns designated at high or critical risk for EEE. Amherst is considered a high-risk community, according to DPH, which is urging communities to bar outdoor evening events until the first hard frost.

EEE is a rare viral infection that is dangerous and often fatal to humans, spread through infected mosquito bites. DPH has confirmed three cases of human EEE infection across the state this year. Officials have also reported 13 cases of another mosquito-transmitted disease, West Nile virus, in Massachusetts.

UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy approved the action, which was recommended by campus health and safety officials. The decision to reschedule evening events was made in consultation with Amherst town officials, who are taking the same steps, particularly for school athletic contests. Several other western Massachusetts communities, including Belchertown, Chicopee and Ware, are cancelling or rescheduling outdoor school-related events after dusk.

UMass Amherst officials are taking similar steps for campus facilities in communities across the state that are considered at high or critical risk for EEE.

On campus, our grounds staff is applying larvacide to areas of standing water to prevent mosquito breeding. Contractors are being advised of the DPH warnings and are being urged to take precautions to safeguard their workers. Students and campus employees are also being advised to use care when outside in the evening.

About the Author

Flossie Sellers

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As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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