STAY INSIDE
Strict Covid-like measures in ‘high-risk’ towns introduced over EEE threat as deadly mosquito-borne sickness spreads
Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile Virus have seen a recent rise in cases
LOCAL officials have added another town to a list of areas that are at high risk for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus.
On Wednesday, state officials urged residents of the Sudbury community to take preventative measures against the virus which is spread by mosquitos.
5
5
Vermont officials have reportedly told residents to limit their time outdoors between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to CBS affiliate WCAX-TV.
Sudbury is the fifth town to join the high-risk list.
The town was preceded on the list by Alburgh, Burlington, Colchester, and Swanton.
“Obviously, this disease is dangerous, but it’s not widespread at this point. We should acknowledge that it’s there and take precautions,” Governor Phil Scott told the outlet.
Read More On Viruses
Health officials have urged those venturing outside to wear bug spray as well as long sleeves and pants.
According to the governor, many areas within the state are close to getting their first frost which should kill off the virus-carrying insects.
However, Scott has stated that residents should heed the advice of the state's health department before resuming nightly activities.
LOCKDOWN
Vermont's warning to avoid being outside at a certain time comes after one Massachusetts town implemented covid-19-like measures to ensure the safety of residents.
Most read in Health
Health officials for the town of Oxford recommended an outdoor curfew from dusk to dawn, which officials described as "peak biting times for many mosquitoes".
The recommendation stated that residents should remain indoors after 6 p.m. until September 30.
Teen paralyzed after catching West Nile Virus as mosquito-borne illness kills 3 & sickens dozens – symptoms to watch for
The nearby town of Plymouth, also announced that, as a preventative measure, it would be closing public parks and fields from dusk until dawn each day after a horse in the town was infected with the disease.
"We have not seen an outbreak of EEE for four years in Massachusetts," Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said in a statement.
"This year’s outbreak and activity raise the risk for communities in parts of the state.
"We need to use all our available tools to reduce risk and protect our communities. We are asking everyone to do their part.”
Preventative measures
The following measures are recommended by the CDC to avoid contracting West Nile Virus.
- Use of mosquito repellent
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Treat clothing with permethrin (not for direct use on skin)
- Limit outdoor exposure from dusk to dawn
- Use air conditioning
- Install window and door screens
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting
- Reduce mosquito breeding sites around the home - anywhere with standing or collected water where eggs can be laid
DEADLY DIAGNOSIS
The new measures come as a father of four was recently diagnosed with Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and St. Louis encephalitis.
The U.S. Sun previously reported that a single mosquito bite gave Joe Casey, 54, all three diseases.
Casey's sister-in-law, Angela Barker, later told CBS affiliate WAFB that even the CDC was unsure which virus made the New Hampshire resident sick.
"He was positive for EEE, for West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis, but the CDC or the infectious disease doctors, they don’t know which one is making him this sick," she told the outlet.
According to Barker, Casey first reported not feeling well early last month but was not admitted to the hospital until more recently.
Read More on The US Sun
She said doctors reported swelling in his brain which has rendered him unable to speak.
“My brother-in-law is not a small man, and to see someone that you love be as sick as he is and not be able to talk, to move, to communicate for over three weeks is terrifying and gut-wrenching,” Barker said.
5
5
5